PROJECT #1 (2023): Surveillance for African swine fever virus in Uganda

PUBLICATION: Spatiotemporal Distribution and Risk Factors of African Swine Fever Outbreak Cases in Uganda for the Period 2010-2023. Wampande EM, Opio R, Angeki SP, Brown C, Faburay B, Ademun RO, Ssekatawa K, South DD, Waiswa C, Waiswa P. Viruses. 2025 Jul 16;17(7):998. https://doi.org/10.3390/v17070998

This paper describes the spatiotemporal distribution and risk factors of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Uganda for the period of 2010 through 2023. Using GPS coordinates, ASF cases were mapped using QGIS to show ASF distribution and spread in Uganda. Moran’s I analysis was used to delineate clusters of ASF. The disease was present in 66% of the districts, with ASF occurring throughout the year. More cases were aggregated in central and border districts and districts with large pig populations (≥30,000). Sporadic cases were reported in districts bordering the DRC, Sudan, Kenya, the lake shores, Karamoja, Acholi, and Lango sub-regions.

PROJECT #2 (2024): The role of warthogs in the epidemiology of African Swine Fever Virus in Uganda

Dr. Wampande’s research so far has revealed that ticks may not be of much importance in the spread of ASF. The incriminated soft tick feeds on the warthogs only at night, in the burrows, and is never found on the warthogs which leave the burrow to forage during the day. More news to follow shortly!

PENDING - PROJECT #3 (2026): A Dual viral study on Lumpy Skin Disease in cattle and Foot and Mouth disease in pigs in Uganda