Prof. Davy David Okello Owiny

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)

David Okello Owiny is the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs since November 2019. He is an Associate Professor of Veterinary Medicine, holds a PhD from Stellenbosch University, South Africa; and Master of Science in Veterinary Medicine and Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from Makerere University. He started his long-term career from Makerere University as an Assistant Lecturer in 1992 after his bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine in 1990. Before joining Gulu University, he had worked for Makerere University for 27 years.Read More

Qualifications

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND AWARDS

Year Attained Institution/School Award
2006 Stellenbosch University, South Africa PhD
1997 Makerere University Master of Science in Veterinary Medicine
1989 Makerere University Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM)
1985 Sir Samuel Baker School, Gulu Higher School Certificate/td>
1982 Sir Samuel Baker School, Gulu Ordinary School Certificate
1978 Teilwa Primary School Primary Leaving Certificate

Research Interests

Specialization

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) with focus on spermatology, in vitro fertilization, gamete and embryo cryopreservation, embryo transfer, gamete and embryo micro-manipulation, conservation of biodiversity using ART, biomedical laboratory technology, and training of artificial and embryo transfer technicians. A general veterinary practitioner with preference on animal production improvement, extension and management of animal reproduction diseases such as infertility including postpartum ailments. Also trained in Research Management and Leadership as well as Blended Learning content development

Publications

Okello, D. M., Odongo, W., Aliro, T., Owiny, D. O. and Ndyomugyenyi, E. K. (2025). . (2025) . Innovation and market orientation in smallholder pig production: the roles for access to veterinary services and use of purchased feeds . Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies (2025), [online] Volume . Available at: https://www.emerald.com/jadee/article-abstract/doi/10.1108/JADEE-03-2024-0097/1251545/Innovation-and-market-orientation-in-smallholder?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Kizito Ongaya, Emily Bagarukayo, Benedict Oyo, David Okello-Owiny . (2024) . Research Data Management in Institutions of Higher Education in Uganda: A Neglected Business . The Uganda Higher Education Review Journal, 11(1), pp. 1-18
Daniel Micheal Okello, Tonny Aliro, Walter Odongo, Elly Kurobuza Ndyomugyenyi, David Okello Owiny . (2022) . Alone or a combination: Ascertaining factors associated with choice of pig health management strategies amongst smallholder farmers in northern Uganda . Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34953300/
Kokas Ikwap, Pius Okello, Joseph Erume, Francis O. Inangolet, Mary G. Kulume, Peter Cheli, Charles D. Kato, Gabriel Tumwine, Peter Waiswa, Patrick Etiang and David O. Owiny . (2021) . Hepatitis E Viral Infection in Pigs from North-Eastern Uganda: A Case Study of Amuria and Napak Districts . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, [online] Volume 20(1), pp. 39-45. Available at: https://medwelljournals.com/abstract/?doi=javaa.2021.39.45
Harriet N Muloki, Joseph Erume, David O Owiny, Joseph M Kungu, Jesca Nakavuma, Duncan Ogeng, George W Nasinyama . (2018) . Prevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in prolonged fever patients in post-conflict Northern Uganda
Samuel Majalija, David Owiny Okello, Margaret Loy Khaitsa, Douglas Freeman, Abel Ekiri, Marvin Ssemadaali, John Baligwamunsi Kaneene, John David Kabasa . (2017) . Africa-United States joint curriculum development of a Master of Science degree in international infectious disease management at Makerere University . Available at: https://ir.gu.ac.ug
Margaret Loy Khaitsa,&, Francis Ejobi, Samuel Majalija, Gabriel Tumwine, Celsus Sente, Samuel George Okech, Patrick Vudriko, Lawrence Mugisha, David Owiny Okello, Deborah Amulen, Kokas Ikwap, Sherman Jack, Robert Wills, David Smith, John David Kabasa . (2017) . Tropical Veterinary Medicine and One Health: a case study of a study-abroad course with One Health principles integrated into Veterinary Medical Training
Samuel George Okech, Samuel Majalija, David Okello Owiny, Francis Ejobi, Gabriel Tumwine, Paul Ssajjakambwe, Stevens Kisaka, Margaret Loy Khaitsa, &, John Baligwamunsi Kaneene, Florence Wakoko, William Sischo, Douglas Freeman, Baljit Singh, Claire Card, Charles Mulei, Kiama Gitahi, Robinson Mdegela, Berihu Gebrekidan, Maurice Byuka, Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Bill Epperson, Robert Wills, Hart Bailey, John David Kabasa . (2017) . International Cultural Boma: a training and mentorship model for capacity development in one health . Available at: https://www.panafrican-med-journal.com/content/series/27/4/16/full
Joshua Isiko, Samuel George Okech, Berna Nakanwagi, Samuel Majalija, David Okello Owiny, Margaret Khaitsa, John Baligwamunsi Kaneene, Florence Wakoko . (2017) . Service-learning and community engagement yields benefits in zoonotic disease control: the case of rabies control in Mbuya II Zone in Kampala, Uganda . Available at: https://www.panafrican-med-journal.com/content/series/27/4/10/full
Harriet Muloki Nabirye, Joseph Erume, George William Nasinyama, Joseph Morison Kungu, Jesca Nakavuma, Duncan Ongeng and David Okello Owiny . (2017) . Brucellosis: Community, medical and veterinary workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Northern Uganda . International Journal of One Health, [online] Volume . Available at: https://nru.uncst.go.ug/handle/123456789/2315
G.K. Bamundaga, R. Natumanya, D.R. Kugonza, D.O. Owiny . (2017) . Reproductive performance of single and double artificial insemination protocol in swine . Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa, [online] Volume 66(1). Available at: https://www.ajol.info/index.php/bahpa/article/view/167855
O. A. Ajao A , F. Fushai A , D. O. Owiny A B and D. M. Barry . (2016) . Correlations of Methods of Sperm Analysis in Fresh Semen of South African Indigenous Goat . Available at: https://www.publish.csiro.au/rd/RDv29n1Ab43
Alice Nabatanzi1, John David Kabasa, Immaculate Nakalembe, David Owiny, Charles Mugisha and Steven Nyanzi . (2016) . Phytoconstituent Analyses of Selected Wild Edible Plants Constituting Diets of Pregnant Women in Buikwe District, Uganda . International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review , 14(2)
Kokas Ikwap, Jenny Larsson, Magdalena Jacobson, David Okello Owiny, George William Nasinyama, Immaculate Nabukenya, Sigbrit Mattsson, Anna Aspan & Joseph Erume . (2016) . Prevalence of adhesin and toxin genes in E. coli strains isolated from diarrheic and non-diarrheic pigs from smallholder herds in northern and eastern Uganda . Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27496201/
Patrick Vudriko, James Okwee-Acai, Dickson Stuart Tayebwa, Joseph Byaruhanga, Steven Kakooza, Edward Wampande, Robert Omara, Jeanne Bukeka Muhindo, Robert Tweyongyere, David Okello Owiny, Takeshi Hatta, Naotoshi Tsuji, Rika Umemiya-Shirafuji, Xuenan Xuan, Masaharu Kanameda, Kozo Fujisaki & Hiroshi Suzuki . (2016) . Emergence of multi-acaricide resistant Rhipicephalus ticks and its implication on chemical tick control in Uganda . Available at: https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-015-1278-3
Simenew Keskes Melaku, Fekadu Regassa, Tesfaye Sisay Tessema, Tesfu Kassa, Juri Vencato, David Okello Owiny, Calogero Stelletta . (2015) . Testicular cytological profiles of apparently healthy male dromedary camels during rutting and non-rutting periods . Animal Reproduction Science, 163, pp. 105-111
Gabriel Tumwine, Enock Matovu, John David Kabasa, David Okello Owiny & Samuel Majalija . (2015) . Human brucellosis: sero-prevalence and associated risk factors in agro-pastoral communities of Kiboga District, Central Uganda . Available at: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-015-2242-z
Kanyima M. Benon, David O. Owiny, Renée Båge, Maria G. Nassuna-Musoke, Patrice Humblot & Ulf Magnusson . (2015) . Managerial practices and factors influencing reproductive performance of dairy cows in urban/peri-urban areas of Kampala and Gulu, Uganda
Bigirwa G., Nassuna-Musoke M. G., Okwee-Acai J. and Owiny D. O. . (2015) . Seminal Characteristics of Boer and Native Ugandan Bucks and Doe Fertility Following Synchronization and Intra-cervical Insemination . Journal of Animal Science Advances , [online] Volume . Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276238702
. (2014) . Salmonella species in piglets and weaners from Uganda: Prevalence, antimicrobial resistance and herd-level risk factors , pp. 39-47
BM Kanyima, R Båge, DO Owiny, T Ntallaris, J Lindahl, U Magnusson, MG Nassuna-Musoke . (2014) . Husbandry Factors and the Resumption of Luteal Activity in Open and Zero-Grazed Dairy Cows in Urban and Peri-Urban Kampala, Uganda , pp. 673-678
Anthony Mugisha, Vincent Kayiizi, David Owiny, and John Mburu . (2014) . Breeding Services and the Factors Influencing Their Use on Smallholder Dairy Farms in Central Uganda . Available at: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/vmi/2014/169380/
K Ikwap, M Jacobson, N Lundeheim, D O Owiny, G W Nasinyama, C Fellstrom and J Erume . (2014) . Characterization of pig production in Gulu and Soroti districts in northern and eastern Uganda . Available at: http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd26/4/ikwa26074.htm
Ndukui James Gakunga*, Kamatenesi Mugisha, David Owiny, and Paul Waako . (2014) . Effects of Crude Aqueous Leaf Extracts of Citropsis Articulata and Mystroxylon Aethiopicum on Sex Hormone Levels In Male Albino Rats . International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Invention, 3(1), pp. 5-17
James G Ndukui , Kamatenesi Mugisha, David Owiny, John Kateregga, Vudriko Patrick, Josephine Kasolo, Paul Waako . (2013) . Toxicity Profile of Aqueous Leaf Extracts of Citropsis Articulata and Mystroxylon Aethiopicum in Male Albino Rats . World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research ·, 3(1), pp. 1273-1290
O.D. Owiny, D.M. Barry, M. Agaba, R.A. Godke . (2009) . In vitro production of cattle × buffalo hybrid embryos using cattle oocytes and African buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) epididymal sperm , pp. 884-894
R. Natumanya, O.D. Owiny, and D.R. Kugonza . (2008) . The Potential of Ankole Cattle Abattoir Ovaries for In Vitro Embryo Production
J Okwee-Acai, J Acon, D Okello-Owiny, B Agwai, J Oloya . (2008) . Evaluation of Pinhole castration as an alternative technique for goat sterilization . Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa, 56(4), pp. 299-306
M. J. Sansinena A , D. Owiny B , R. S. Denniston C , D. Salamone A and D. Barry B C . (2007) . Initiation of Pregnancies in South African Riverine Rabbit (Bunolagus Monticulares) By Interspecies Nuclear Transfer Using Adipose-Derived Somatic Cells . Reproduction, Fertility and Development, [online] Volume 20(1), pp. 106-107. Available at: https://www.publish.csiro.au/rd/RDv20n1Ab52

Projects

Partnerships for Enhanced and Blended Learning (PEBL)
    Prof. Davy David Okello Owiny
Strengthening capacity for doctoral training and supervision
    Prof. Davy David Okello Owiny
Nurturing Emerging Research Leaders through Post-Doc Training’
    Prof. Davy David Okello Owiny
DAAD in-country / in-region training grant to Makerere University
    Prof. Davy David Okello Owiny
Mak-Sida successor programme
    Prof. Davy David Okello Owiny
Improvement of growth and carcass quality of indigenous goats in Uganda through Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs)
    Prof. Davy David Okello Owiny
Mak-Sida Bilateral Research Collaboration (Vet Sub-programme)
    Prof. Davy David Okello Owiny
Ruforum Nurturing
    Prof. Davy David Okello Owiny

Supervision

 

 

SUPERVISION AND EXAMINATION OF GRADUATES AND UNDERGRADUATES

a) PhD Supervision

Thermal stress and reproductive efficiency of cattle: A comparative analysis of the uganda’s cattle corridor and Kigezi areas

S/N Student Name Topic Remarks
1. Andrea Motswetla Raseona In vitro production of cattle embryos using epididymal sperm: the effects of sperm viability, culture receptacle, incubation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection PhD Graduated June 2022, University of Venda, RSA
2. Benon Mbabazi Kanyima Influence of reproductive and udder health management on productivity of dairy farms: a comparative study of Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga crescents of Uganda PhD Graduated January 2016, Makerere University
3. Kokas Ikwap Improvement of the health and productivity of village pigs in Uganda through the control of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli neonatal and post weaning diarrhea PhD Graduated January 2016, Makerere University
4. Pauline Wanjiku Kibui A multi-faceted approach to differentiation of male germ cells from primates PhD in progress Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Germany
5. Gad Kwizera Thermal stress and reproductive efficiency of cattle: A comparative analysis of the uganda’s cattle corridor and Kigezi areas PhD in progress Gulu University
6. Olumide Adewale Ajao Correlation of the conventional methods of semen analysis and evaluation of the effects of non-enzymatic antioxidants and PLA2 inhibitors on refrigerated Venda indigenous buck semen PhD in progress University of Venda, RSA
7. Nabirye Harriet Muloki Prevalence, risk factors, and socioeconomic effects of brucellosis in post-conflict northern Uganda PhD in progress Makerere University
8. Natumanya Robert Evaluation of fresh and cryopreserved boar semen for community-based breeding schemes PhD in progress Makerere University
9. Natumanya Robert Epidemiology factors for the persistence of human and animal Brucellosis in Uganda: Implications of surveillances and control strategies PhD Completed in 2023 Makerere University
10. Amanuel Tsegay Awareness and molecular mapping of Brucella Infection in domestic ruminants in selected districts of eastern and northeastern Uganda PhD in progress, Makerere University

 

 

b) MSc. Supervision

S/N Student Name Topic Remarks
1. Akwero Lucy Aol Evaluation of the economic losses associated with african swine fever on smallholders pig farmers in Agago District, Uganda MSc. in progress, Gulu University
2. Mayambala Ponsiano Lyaunya The validity of novel biomarkers in improving prediction and diagnosis of coronary heart disease: a case of Mengo Hospital MSc. Graduated January 2021, Makerere University
3. Kahunde Anna Mary Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards antibiotic use and resistance in Kyegegwa District, Uganda MSc. Graduated January 2020, Makerere University
4. Bamundaga Kyobe Godfrey The swine breeding practices and reproductive performance under the various production systems: a case of Wakiso District, Uganda MSc. graduated in January 2018 Makerere Uiversity
5. Mayombo Pie Veillard Kalonji Evaluation of Nguni bull semen extended in Tris extender under soybean milk and coconut water and stored at different temperatures MSc. graduted in 2017, University of Venda, RSA
6. Nakigozi Harriet Prevalence of Rifampicin resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis among HIV sero-postive patients in Mbarara regional referral hospital, Southwestern Uganda MSc. graduated in 2016 Makerere University
7. Lufuno Rosheen Madzhie Effect of different culture media and incubation methods on culture in murine embryos in vitro using a semen straw as an alternative receptacle MSc. garduated in March 2016 University of Venda, RSA
8. Olumide Adewale Ajao Evaluation of the effectiveness of different extenders of goat buck semen under refrigerated conditions MSc. graduated in April 2015 University of Venda, RSA
9. Andrea Motswetla Raseona Comparative evaluation of different extenders of bull semen stored under refrigerated conditions MSc. graduated in April 2015 University of Venda, RSA
10. Patrick Kalibala Superovulation, embryo cryopreservation and transfer in indigenous Ugandan goats MSc. graduated in 2013, Makerere University
11. Solome Namirimu Influence of management activities on stress levels among captive Gorillas in quarantine facilities at Kigali, Rwanda MSc. graduated in 2013, Makerere University
12. Godfrey Birigwa Relationship between oestrogen levels at sponge removal and fertility rates of artificially inseminated indigenous Ugandan goats MSc. graduated in 2011, Makerere University
13. Waata Tolofaina Factors affecting sustainability of goat productivity interventions in Uganda (a case study of Iganga District) MSc. graduated in 2010, Makerere University
14. Gideon Nadiope Conception rates of estrous-synchronized indigenous Ugandan goats to cervical artificial insemination MSc. graduated in 2010, Makerere University
15. Kaizzi M. Vincent Factors that affect the success of diary breeding in East African dairy Development (EADD) project area in Uganda MSc. graduated in 2010, Makerere University
16. Cherree Gloyne Validity of bovine sperm after thawing and freezing (Stellenbosch University) Mphil Completed in 2005/06 Stellenbosch University
17. Hyltonn Buntting Fertilizing integrity of bovine epididymal sperm following extended storage before cryopreservation (Stellenbosch University) Mphil Completed in 2005/06 Stellenbosch University

More Information

SUPERVISION AND EXAMINATION OF GRADUATES AND UNDERGRADUATES

a) PhD Supervision

Student Name Topic Remarks
1. Andrea Motswetla Raseona In vitro production of cattle embryos using epididymal sperm: the effects of sperm viability, culture receptacle, incubation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection PhD Graduated, June 2022, University of Venda, RSA
2. Benon Mbabazi Kanyima Influence of reproductive and udder health management on productivity of dairy farms: a comparative study of Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga crescents of Uganda PhD Graduated, Jan 2016, Makerere University
3. Kokas Ikwap Improvement of the health and productivity of village pigs in Uganda through the control of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli neonatal and post weaning diarrhea PhD Graduated, Jan 2016, Makerere University
4. Pauline Wanjiku Kibui A multi-faceted approach to differentiation of male germ cells from primates PhD in progress Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Germany
5. Gad Kwizera Thermal stress and reproductive efficiency of cattle: A comparative analysis of the uganda’s cattle corridor and Kigezi areas PhD in progress, Gulu University
6. Olumide Adewale Ajao Correlation of the conventional methods of semen analysis and evaluation of the effects of non-enzymatic antioxidants and PLA2 inhibitors on refrigerated Venda indigenous buck semen In progress, University of Venda, RSA
7. Nabirye Harriet Muloki Prevalence, risk factors, and socioeconomic effects of brucellosis in post-conflict northern Uganda In progress, Makerere University
8. Natumanaya Robert Evaluation of fresh and cryopreserved boar semen for community-based breeding schemes In progress, Makerere University
9. Tumwine Gabriel Epidemiology factors for the persistence of human and animal Brucellosis in Uganda: Implications of surveillances and control strategies PhD Completing in 2023, Makerere University
10. Amanuel Tsegay Awareness and molecular mapping of Brucella Infection in domestic ruminants in selected districts of eastern and northeastern Uganda In progress, Makerere University

 

b) MSc. Supervision

Student Name Topic Remarks
1. Akwero Lucy Aol Evaluation of the economic losses associated with african swine fever on smallholders pig farmers in Agago District, Uganda In progress Gulu University
2. Mayambala Ponsiano Lyaunya The validity of novel biomarkers in improving prediction and diagnosis of coronary heart disease: a case of Mengo Hospital Completed January 2021, Mak
3. Kahunde Anna Mary Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards antibiotic use and resistance in Kyegegwa District, Uganda Completed January 2020, Mak
4. Bamundaga Kyobe Godfrey The swine breeding practices and reproductive performance under the various production systems: a case of Wakiso District, Uganda Completed, January 2018, Mak
5. Mayombo Pie Veillard Kalonji Evaluation of Nguni bull semen extended in Tris extender under soybean milk and coconut water and stored at different temperatures Completed 2017, University of Venda
6. Nakigozi Harriet Prevalence of Rifampicin resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis among HIV sero-postive patients in Mbarara regional referral hospital, Southwestern Uganda Completed 2016, Mak
7. Lufuno Rosheen Madzhie Effect of different culture media and incubation methods on culture in murine embryos in vitro using a semen straw as an alternative receptacle Completed, March 2016, University of Venda
8. Olumide Adewale Ajao Evaluation of the effectiveness of different extenders of goat buck semen under refrigerated conditions Completed,  April 2015, University of Venda,
9. Andrea Motswetla Raseona Comparative evaluation of different extenders of bull semen stored under refrigerated conditions MSc Completed April 2015, University of Venda
10. Patrick Kalibbala Superovulation, embryo cryopreservation and transfer in indigenous Ugandan goats MSc. Completed 2013, Mak
11. Solome Namirimu Influence of management activities on stress levels among captive Gorillas in quarantine facilities at Kigali, Rwanda MSc. Completed 2013, Mak
12. Godfrey Bigirwa Relationship between oestrogen levels at sponge removal and fertility rates of artificially inseminated indigenous Ugandan goats MSc Completed, 2011, Mak
13. Waata Tolofaina Factors affecting sustainability of goat productivity interventions in Uganda (a case study of Iganga District) MSc Completed, 2010, Mak
14. Gideon Nadiope Conception rates of estrous-synchronized indigenous Ugandan goats to cervical artificial insemination MSc Completed, 2010, Mak
15. Kaizzi M Vincent Factors that affect the success of diary breeding in East African dairy Development (EADD) project area in Uganda MSc Completed, 2010, Mak
16. Cherree Gloyne Validity of bovine sperm after thawing and freezing (Stellenbosch University) Mphil Completed, 2005/06, Stellenbosch University
17. Hylton Buntting Fertilizing integrity of bovine epididymal sperm following extended storage before cryopreservation (Stellenbosch University) Mphil Completed, 2005/06, Stellenbosch University