College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (COVAB), Makerere University, by far the oldest and leading academic veterinary institution in the region, is Uganda’s number one academic, research and education pillar in the animal and associated industries. Her primary mandates are - training, research and outreach services.
The Makerere University Act of 1970 established it as a legal entity that became the Makerere University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1971. In between the 70s and 90s, guided by a public-sector led economy, COVAB primary aim was to produce quality veterinary degree graduates to serve in the state sponsored veterinary departments across the country.
COVAB envisions her purpose as to capacitate people and empower communities while fostering sustainable development through impact-oriented research, training and offering services in animal and related agricultural, biomedical and wildlife tourism industries. The goal is to contribute to improved well-being of Ugandans and sustainable economic growth. COVAB has shifted from being a mono-degree institution, offering the state sponsored classical Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine degree, to a multi-degree and multifunction service institution offering diverse demand driven undergraduate and graduate training programs, research and development outreach services.
The COVAB 10-point paradigm shift principles include transforming from being:
