KIU-WC Advances Research Skills with Bioinformatics Training

KIU, Western Campus – Strengthening the bridge between laboratory science and computational discovery, the Institute of Biomedical Research (IBR) at Kampala International University, Western Campus (KIU‑WC), on Wednesday, June 17th, 2026, hosted a one‑day bioinformatics training for postgraduate students and academic staff.

The workshop, held in the University Staff Common Room, drew participants from the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Clinical Medicine & Dentistry, and School of Pharmacy—reflecting KIU’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning and innovation.

The program opened with Abubakar Mosuba, who revisited earlier IBR sessions that introduced essential laboratory techniques such as DNA extraction and purification, gel electrophoresis, and primer design. His recap provided a strong foundation for the day’s advanced training.

Building on this, Dr. Hussain Yahaya Ungo, Head of the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, guided participants through a hands‑on sequence‑analysis session. Using industry‑standard software tools like MEGA X and Geneious Prime, he led trainees through sequence alignment, phylogenetic analysis, and sequence annotation—transforming raw genetic data into meaningful scientific insights.

Commending the initiative, Prof. Patrick Aja Maduabuchi, Director of Research, Innovation, Consultancy and Extension (RICE), applauded the IBR team for successfully bridging wet‑lab and computational skills. He emphasized that continued interdisciplinary training is a cornerstone for advancing research and innovation at KIU.

At the helm of this effort was Dr. Ibrahim Garba Wawata, whose leadership of the IBR team ensured the seamless integration of laboratory practice with bioinformatics tools. His guidance has been instrumental in positioning KIU as a hub for modern biomedical research and capacity building.

By equipping postgraduate students and academic staff with practical bioinformatics skills, the training reinforced a clear pathway from bench‑side experiments to data‑driven discovery. This capability is increasingly vital for tackling diseases, advancing drug development, and contributing to global scientific progress.

Moving forward, IBR has recommended follow‑up sessions on advanced topics such as phylogenomics, variant analysis, and pipeline automation. Plans also include shared datasets and step‑by‑step guides to support ongoing learning.

These initiatives underscore KIU’s dedication to nurturing a new generation of researchers and scientists who can seamlessly connect laboratory work with computational tools to drive impactful discoveries.