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Makerere University recently held a symposium to explore how bacteriophages, natural viruses that target bacteria, can help fight antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and solve health, agricultural, and environmental problems.
The event, organised by The Alliance for Phage Research and Development Uganda Ltd (PhageTeam Uganda), brought together researchers from Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Kampala International University, Ian Clarke International University, and other key players. It highlighted a joint effort to tackle both local and global challenges.
On March 28, the second day of the event, Ugandan researchers, policymakers, and partners from the UK and USA discussed the best way to boost bacteriophage research and production in Uganda to support the national fight against drug resistance.
Dr Jesca Nakavuma, lead phage researcher from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, spoke at the symposium held at Hilton Garden Inn. She said Uganda urgently needs alternatives to antibiotics, which are becoming less effective due to rising resistance and few new discoveries.
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According to her, bacteriophages are a promising solution that could transform how we treat diseases and secure food systems. She warned that humanity faces a serious risk of treatment failure if nothing is done.
Prof Robert Wamala, Director for Research, Innovations, and Partnerships at Makerere University, spoke on behalf of Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe. He said Uganda must build its own capacity in phage research to better respond to AMR and develop solutions tailored for human, animal, and crop health.
He added that local expertise could help reduce Uganda’s dependence on imported technologies and offer long-term results.
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Prof Wamala also reaffirmed Makerere’s commitment to supporting research and innovation that addresses national and global issues. He said the university is focused on generating knowledge, advancing technology, and shaping policy.
He stressed that Uganda’s regulatory institutions must play their role by ensuring ethical practices and creating an environment where research can thrive. He said this symposium was a good opportunity to bring together scientists, institutions, and regulators to push for results that are both scientifically sound and in line with Uganda’s development goals.
Dr Claire Mugasa, Dean of the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences (SBLS), CoVAB, warned that AMR is rising faster in Uganda and the rest of Africa than in other parts of the world. She said it’s time to step up efforts to find practical alternatives, not just for humans but for animals as well. She called on all players to work together and combine their ideas and resources to find a solution.
The symposium covered key topics such as an introduction to AMR, how phages work, and how they can be used in real life. Prof Martha Clokie from the University of Leicester shared lessons from setting up a phage research centre in the UK.
The event was funded by the Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF), through a grant to the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), in partnership with Phages for Global Health. It marks an important step in Uganda’s journey towards leading innovative, practical, and sustainable responses to a growing global health crisis.