Education
Muni University gets sh2b laboratory equipment to boost research
The equipment donated by Seeding Labs of USA was officially received by the acting University Secretary, Prof. Robert Kajobe, on July 13, 2026.
Seeding Labs and Muni University officials pose for a photo during the handover ceremony of the laboratory equipment. (Courtesy)
By: Jonathan Driliga, Journalist @New Vision
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Muni University has received laboratory equipment worth approximately sh2b, including a Flow Cytometer and a Real-Time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) machine, to boost research at the university.
The equipment donated by Seeding Labs of USA was officially received by the acting University Secretary, Prof. Robert Kajobe, on July 13, 2026.
According to Kajobe, the equipment is intended exclusively for academic and research purposes in the faculties of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Science and Health Sciences.
On September 15, 2025, Kajobe wrote to the Commissioner Trade at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) seeking for tax exemption for the assorted equipment and consumables.
Subsequently, URA granted the request in a letter dated October 15, 2025.
Melissa P. Wu, the chief executive officer at Seeding Labs, in a letter addressed to the University Secretary of Muni University dated April 11, 2025, said they were impressed by the calibre of the application submitted by Muni University, adding that the University was selected for demonstrating the ability to unlock untapped potential with the equipment and resources.
“Our mission is to increase access to resources for science in developing countries. By participating in instrumental access, you will be joining our community of 137 instrumental access awardees in 39 countries worldwide,” Wu remarked.
Wu said Seeding Labs is optimistic that working with Muni University’s scientists and students with the state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and supplies will contribute to the conduct of life-changing research and training of the next generation of scientists.
Subsequently, URA granted the request in a letter dated October 15, 2025.
Melissa P. Wu, the chief executive officer at Seeding Labs, in a letter addressed to the University Secretary of Muni University dated April 11, 2025, said they were impressed by the calibre of the application submitted by Muni University, adding that the University was selected for demonstrating the ability to unlock untapped potential with the equipment and resources.
“Our mission is to increase access to resources for science in developing countries. By participating in instrumental access, you will be joining our community of 137 instrumental access awardees in 39 countries worldwide,” Wu remarked.
Wu said Seeding Labs is optimistic that working with Muni University’s scientists and students with the state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and supplies will contribute to the conduct of life-changing research and training of the next generation of scientists.
Seeding Labs is a Boston-based non-profit organisation that empowers scientists in developing countries by providing high-quality laboratory equipment. Through their flagship programme, Instrumental Access, they match surplus biology and chemistry supplies from universities and corporations with researchers in low and middle-income regions.
Dr Robert Onzima, the head of department of animal science at Muni University, said some of the equipment such as flow cytometer, Real Time PCR, freeze dryer, will be useful in the production of disease-free planting materials, strengthen disease surveillance and diagnostics in crops and livestock. He said it will also strengthen collaboration with partners in Uganda such as NAGRIC &DB (National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank) in improving supply of semen.
“The acquisition of the equipment is also timely as we transition to competence-based education and training curriculum, which emphasises practical skills as we transform lives. In addition, the acquisition of the new equipment will be vital to kick-start the new academic programmes being rolled out at the University in the academic year 2027-2028,” Onzima emphasised.
He said the new programmes include Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology, Bachelor of Science in Animal Health and Production, Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, Master of Science in Crop Science, Master of Science in Animal Science, and Master of Science in Climate Resilient Agriculture.
Onzima encouraged parents to send their children to Muni University to be equipped with world-class skills for transforming lives.
Dr Robert Onzima, the head of department of animal science at Muni University, said some of the equipment such as flow cytometer, Real Time PCR, freeze dryer, will be useful in the production of disease-free planting materials, strengthen disease surveillance and diagnostics in crops and livestock. He said it will also strengthen collaboration with partners in Uganda such as NAGRIC &DB (National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank) in improving supply of semen.
“The acquisition of the equipment is also timely as we transition to competence-based education and training curriculum, which emphasises practical skills as we transform lives. In addition, the acquisition of the new equipment will be vital to kick-start the new academic programmes being rolled out at the University in the academic year 2027-2028,” Onzima emphasised.
He said the new programmes include Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology, Bachelor of Science in Animal Health and Production, Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, Master of Science in Crop Science, Master of Science in Animal Science, and Master of Science in Climate Resilient Agriculture.
Onzima encouraged parents to send their children to Muni University to be equipped with world-class skills for transforming lives.