Prof. Auma Elizabeth Opiyo

Professor


Professor Elizabeth Auma Opiyo is a professor of parasitology in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science at Gulu University. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Botany and Zoology of University of Nairobi Kenya; Masters of Science Medical Parasitology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London University, UK and a PhD in Zoology from the University of Nairobi. She is broad-minded, pragmatic, has advanced analytical and strategic thinking skills as well as advanced diplomatic and professional networking skills. She has worked in the Netherlands, Ethiopia, Austria, Kenya and Uganda and has been behind many international studies, programmes, forums, and publications.

She has over four decades of research experience in the field of tsetse and trypanosomiasis. She spearheaded the fruitful collaboration between Gulu and Yale University and has also been involved in or supported technical work on tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis research across most of Sub-Saharan African countries. Before joining Gulu University she worked as a research officer with the then East African Community at the East African Community Research Organization (EATRO) at Tororo, Uganda. At the break-up of the East African Community in 1977, she relocated to Kenya and was a founder member and Principal Research Officer of the then Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute (KETRI), Kikuyu, now the Biotechnology Research Center of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KaRLO). She later moved to Vienna in Austria where she worked as a Research Entomologist with International Atomic Energy Agency at the FAO/IAEA Agriculture and Biotechnology Research Laboratories at Seibersdorf. At Gulu University she has served as the Deputy Dean, Faculty of Science and the Director of the then Institute of Research and Graduate Studies (now Directorate of Graduate Training).

She is a past Global Assessor with the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and a reviewer for the African Academy of Sciences. Currently, she is involved in research and teaching Parasitology to graduate students as well as supervising and examining students dissertations and theses and mentoring junior faculties and students especially in the area of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and vector-borne diseases at Gulu University.

 

Qualifications

Institution Period Degree obtained
University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya 1968 -1971 BSc (Hons) Botany and Zoology
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, UK 1972 -1973 MSc Medical Parasitology
University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya 1984 -1987 PhD in Zoology

Research Interests


Neglected Tropical diseases (NTDs) and Vectors and Vector-borne diseases

Publications

Opiro R, Saarman NP, Echodu R, Opiyo EA, Dion K, Halyard A, Aksoy S, Caccone A (2016) . (2025) . Evidence of temporal stability in allelic and mitochondrial haplotype diversity in populations of Glossina fuscipes fuscipes (Diptera: Glossinidae) in northern Uganda , p. 12
Divas Soyekwo, Elizabeth A Opiyo, Reginald Austin, Stephen Ochaya . (2024) . Assessing the Malaria Burden and Community Response to the Malaria Control and Management Programs in Omoro District, Northern Uganda
Julius Iga, Stephen Ochaya, Richard Echodu, Elizabeth A Opiyo, Alex K Musiime, Angella Nakamaanya, Geoffrey M Malinga . (2023) . Sibling Species Composition and Susceptibility Status of Anopheles gambiae s.l. to Insecticides Used for Indoor Residual Spraying in Eastern Uganda
Opiro, R., Opoke, R., Angwech, H., Nakafu, E., Oloya, F. A., Openy, G., ... & Opiyo, E. A. (2021) . (2021) . Apparent density, trypanosome infection rates and host preference of tsetse flies in the sleeping sickness endemic focus of northwestern Uganda , p. 12
Richard Echodu, Juliet Anena, Tereza Iwiru, Paul Mireji, Geoffrey Maxwell Malinga, Elizabeth A. Opiyo, Julius Iga, Onanyang David (2020) . (2020) . High level of resistance in Anopheles arabiensis mosquito to pyrethroid insecticides from low malaria transmission zone of Moroto district, Karamoja region, Uganda: Implication for malaria vector control . Kampala, Uganda: Research Square
Richard Echodu, Julius Iga, William Samuel Oyet, Paul Mireji, Juliet Anena, Onanyang David, Lutwama Julius Julian, Elizabeth A. Opiyo (2020) . (2020) . High insecticide resistances levels in Anopheles gambiaes s.l. in northern Uganda and its relevance for future malaria control . Uganda: BMC Research Notes
Norah Saarman, Mary Burak, Robert Opiro, Chaz Hyseni, Richard Echodu, Kirstin Dion, Elizabeth A Opiyo, Augustine W Dunn, Giuseppe Amatulli, Serap Aksoy, Adalgisa Caccone (2018) . (2019) . The population genomics of multiple tsetse fly (Glossina fuscipes fuscipes) admixture zones in Uganda. Molecular Ecology
Saarman, N. P., Opiro, R., Hyseni, C., Echodu, R., Opiyo, E. A., Dion, K., ... & Caccone, A. (2019) . (2018) . The population genomics of multiple tsetse fly (Glossina fuscipes fuscipes) admixture zones in Uganda
Saarman, N., Burak, M., Opiro, R., Hyseni, C., Echodu, R., Dion, K., ... & Caccone, A. (2018) . (2018) . A spatial genetics approach to inform vector control of tsetse flies (Glossina fuscipes fuscipes) in Northern Uganda
Kirunda James, Joseph Okello-Onen, Elizabeth A. Opiyo, j.B. Rwakimari, Ranjith de Alwis, Michael Okiya, Denis Ambayo, Bernard Abola, David F. Hoel (2017) . (2017) . Assessment of Ficam VC (Bendiocarb) Residual Activity on Different Wall Surfaces for Control of Anopheles gambiae s.s. (Diptera: Culicidae) in Northern Uganda . Journal of Medical Entomology, 54(4)
. (2017) . Genetic diversity and population structure of the tsetse fly Glossina fuscipes fuscipes (Diptera: Glossinidae) in Northern Uganda: Implications for vector control , p. 29
Opiyo, E. A., Kinoti, G. K., Otieno, L. H. 1988 . (2016) . Adaptation of the pig parasite Trypanosoma simiae to the laboratory rat , pp. 397 – 398
Waiganjo, B.W., Githae, E.W., Warui, C.M., Opiyo, E.A (2015) . (2015) . Ethnobotanical and vegetation survey of kiango’mbe and Kianjiru Hill Forests In Embu County, Kenya . International Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, [online] Volume 4(8). Available at: https://www.internationalscholarsjournals.com/articles/ethnobotanical-and-vegetation-survey-of-kiangombe-and-kianjiru-hill-forests-in-embu-county-kenya.pdf
Angwech H, Nyeko J. H, Opiyo E.A, Okello-Onen J, Opiro R, Echodu R, Malinga G. M, Njahira M.N, Skilton R.A. (2015) . (2015) . Heterogeneity in the prevalence and intensity of bovine trypanosomiasis in the districts of Amuru and Nwoya, Northern Uganda . BCM Veterinary Research, p. 8
Echodu R, Sistrom M, Bateta R, Murilla G, Okedi L, Aksoy S, Enyioha C, Enyaru J, Opiyo E, Gibson W, Caccone A . (2015) . Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Trypanosoma brucei in Uganda: Implications for the Epidemiology of Sleeping Sickness and Nagana
Opoke, R., Okello-Onen, J., Opiyo, E. A., Nyeko Pen-Mogi, J. H., Opigo, J., Echodu, R., Tek-kara, A., Zema, P. (2014) . (2014) . Assessment of socio-demographic risk factors associated with Human African trypanosomiasis in Moyo district . In: Ovuga, E., Obika, J. A., Olido, K., Opiyo, E. A. (Eds), Conflict and peace studies in Africa: Peace and Peace Building: Enhancing Human Security
Ovuga, E., Obika, J. A., Olido, K., Opiyo, E. A. (Eds) 2014 . (2014) . After armed conflict in Northern Uganda . In: Ovuga, E., Obika, J. A., Olido, K., Opiyo, E. A. (Eds). , Conflict and peace studies in Africa: Peace and Peace Building: Enhancing Human Security
Olido, K., Obika, J. A., Opiyo, E. A., Kiduma, R., Ovuga, E. (2014) . (2014) . Community perceptions of peace and peacebuilding efforts in Acholi sub-Region, Northern Uganda . In: Ovuga, E., Obika, J. A., Olido, K., Opiyo, E. A. (Eds, Conflict and peace studies in Africa: Peace and Peace Building: Enhancing Human Security
Obika, J. A., Ovuga, E., Opiyo, E. A., Olido, K. (2014) . (2014) . The road to peace in Northern Uganda: The role of the media . In: Ovuga, E., Obika, J. A., Olido, K., Opiyo, E. A. (Eds), Conflict and peace studies in Africa: Peace and Peace Building: Enhancing Human Security
Opiyo, E., Ovuga, E. (2014). . (2014) . Peacebuilding rituals in Acholi culture . In: Ovuga, E., Obika, J. A., Olido, K., Opiyo, E. A, Conflict and peace studies in Africa: Peace and Peace Building: Enhancing Human Security
Olido, K., Ovuga, E., Obika, J. A., Opiyo, E. A., Kiduma, R., (2014) . (2014) . Monitoring community perceptions of peace and peacebuilding in Acholi sub-Region: A survey conducted in Kitgum and Lamwo districts . In: Ovuga, E., Obika, J. A., Olido, K., Opiyo, E. A. (Eds). , Conflict and peace studies in Africa: Peace and Peace Building: Enhancing Human Security
Ovuga, E., Opiyo, E. A., Obika, J. A., Olido, K. (Eds.) . (2013) . Conflict and Peace Studies in Africa: Peace and peacebuilding concepts and perceptions in Northern Uganda
Opiyo, E. and Parker, A. 2003 . (2003) . Automation for tsetse mass rearing for use in sterile insect technique programmes. Final report of a co-ordinated research project
Mutika, G. N., Opiyo, E. and Robinson, A. S. 2002 . (2002) . Effect of low temperature treatment on the quality of male adult Glossina pallidipes (Diptera: Glossinidae) in relation to the sterile insect technique. . Entomological Science , [online] Volume 5(2). Available at: https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.5555/20023125945
Olet, P., Opiyo, E. and Robinson, A. S. 2002 . (2002) . Sexual receptivity and age in Glossina pallidipes Austen (Diptera: Glossinidae) . Journal of Applied Entomology, 126, pp. 86-91
Mutika, G. N., Opiyo, E. and Robinson, A. S. . (2001) . Assessing mating performance of male Glossina pallidipes (Diptera: Glossinidae) using a walk-in field cage . Bulletin of Entomological Research, 91, pp. 281-287
Opiyo, E. 2001 . (2001) . Survival and reproductive potential of gamma irradiated male Glossina pallidipes Austen , pp. 397 – 400. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/74602758/Survival_and_reproductive_potential_of_gamma_irradiated_male_Glossina_pallidipes_Austen
Opiyo, E., Luger, D. and Robinson, A. S. 2000 . (2000) . New Systems for large scale production of male tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) . In: , area-wide control of fruit flies and other insect pests. K. H. Tan (ed). Penebrit, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, pp. 337 – 344
Opiyo, E., Luger, D., Feldmann, U., Hendrichs, J. and Paral, A. 1999 . (1999) . Developments in tsetse fly mass rearing at Seibersdorf Laboratories. Preceedings of the OAU / ISCTRC, 24th Meeting, Maputo, Mozambique, 1997 , pp. 359 – 361
Olubai, W. A., Echessa, P.N. and Opiyo, E.A.1997 . (1997) . Assessment of gross community perception of tsetse, human and animal trypanosomiasis in the Lambwe Valley, Kenya. Proceedings of the 23rd OAU / ISCTRC Meeting, Banjul, Gambia 1995 , pp. 331-332
Kiragu, J., Gray, M. A., Opiyo, E. A., Otsyula, M. V. B., Kamau, S., Otieno, C., Walubengo, J., Mgutu. S. P. and Omuse, J. K . (1993) . Trypanosomiasis caused by multiple drug resistant Trypanosoma congolense. Proceedings of the 13th Annual Medical Scientific Conference of KEMRI / KETRI, Nairobi, Kenya
Ashley, S. C., Dolan, R. B., Okech, G. and Opiyo, E. A. 1993 . (1993) . The economics of trypanotolerance on Galana Ranch. Proceedings of the 13th Annual Medical Scientific Conference of KEMRI/KETRI, Nairobi, Kenya.
Opiyo, E. A., Omuse, J. K., Kiragu, J. M. and Hussain, M. 1993 . (1993) . Field testing of improved insecticide formulation for control of tsetse flies using baited targets. Preceedings of the 13th Annual Medical Scientific Conference of KEMRI / KETRI, Nairobi, Kenya
Ismail, A. A., Njogu, A. R., Musoke, A. J., Dolan, R. B. and Opiyo, E. A. . (1991) . The susceptibility of the Orma Boran cattle to tsetse transmitted T. congolense infection. Proceedings of the 21st meeting of the OAU / ISCTRC, Yamoussoukouru, Cote D’Ivoire
Opiyo, E. A. and Omuse, J. K. 1991 . (1991) . Experience with odour baited insecticide impregnated targets for control of tsetse flies in Kenya. Proceedings of a Seminar for Africa on Animal Trypanosomiasis: Tsetse control, diagnosis and chemotherapy using nuclear techniques, KETRI, Muguga, Kenya
Okech, G., Opiyo, E. A., Mgutu, S. P., Alushula, H., Njogu, A. R., Stevenson, P., Dolan, R. B., Omuse, J. K. and Sayer, P. D. . (1991) . Proceedings the 11th Annual Medical Scientific Conference of KEMRI/KETRI, Nairobi, Kenya
Waitumbi, J. N, Young, J. R. and Opiyo, E. A . (1991) . Characterization of the Brucei type trypanosomes isolates from camels in Marsabit. Proceedings of the 20th meeting of the OAU / ISCTRC, Mombasa, Kenya.
Opiyo, E. A., Njogu, A. R. and Omuse, J. K. 1990 . (1990) . Use of insecticide impregnated targets for control of G. pallidipes in Kenya. . Insect Science and its Application, 11, p. 417
Opiyo, E. A., Njogu, A. R., Omuse, J. K. and Mgutu, S. P. 1989 . (1989) . Tsetse control in Lambwe Valley, South Nyanza, Kenya. Proceedings of the 20th meeting of the OAU / ISCTRC, Mombasa, Kenya
Ismail, A. A., Njogu, A. R., Dolan, R. B. and Opiyo, E. A. . (1989) . Haematologic response of two types of Kenya Boran cattle to tsetse transmitted Trypanosoma vivax infections. Proceedings of the 20th meeting of the OAU / ISCTRC, Mombasa, Kenya.
Opiyo, E. A., Mgutu, S. P., Okedi, T. and Nambiro, C. O. 1988 . (1988) . Some observations on non-target organisms during tsetse control. Proceedings of the 9th Annual Medical Scientific Conference of KEMRI / KETRI, Nairobi, Kenya
Wellde, B. T., Chumo, D. A., Onyango, F. K., Reardon, M. J., Roberts, L. M., Njogu, A. R. and Opiyo, E. A . (1987) . Review of tsetse control measures taken in the Lambwe Valley in 1980-1984 . Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, 88, p. 177
Opiyo, E. A., Dolan, R. B., Njogu, A. R., Sayer, P. D. and Mgutu, S. P. 1987 . (1987) . Tsetse control on Galana Ranch. Proceedings of the 19th meeting of the OAU / ISCTRC, Lome, Togo
Opiyo, E. A., Dolan, R. B., Njogu, A. R., Sayer, P. D. and Mgutu, S. P. 1987 . (1987) . Tsetse control trial on Galana Ranch . In: S. N. Kinoti, P. G. Waiyaki and J. B. O. Were (eds.), Recent advances in medical research with symposium on appropriate technology in disease control. Proceedings of the 8th Annual Medical Scientific Conference of KEMRI/KETRI, Nairobi, Kenya
Gitatha, S. K., Walubengo, J., Opiyo, E. A., Okumu, I. and Okedi, T. 1987 . (1987) . Response of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense stabilates to Melarsprol insensitive strains . In: Tukei, P. M. and Njogu, A. R. (eds.). , Diseases of the tropics, trends in research with special emphasis on Leishmaniasis. Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Medical Scientific Conference of KEMRI / KETRI, Nairobi, Kenya, pp. 52 - 54
Wellde, B. T., Kovatch, R. M., Chumo, D. A., Adoyo, M. M., Mwongela, G. N. and Opiyo, E.A . (1983) . Investigation of haemorrhagic syndrome associated with trypanosoma vivax infection in cattle . In: Tukei, P. M. and Njogu, A. R. (eds.). , Diseases of the tropics, trends in research with special emphasis on Leishmaniasis. Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Medical Scientific Conference of KEMRI / KETRI, Nairobi, Kenya, pp. 55 – 61
Opiyo, E. A., Mgutu, S. P. and Waema, D . (1983) . The control of Glossina pallidipes in Lambwe Valley, Kenya using Endosulphan . In: Tukei, P. M. and Njogu, A. R. (eds.). , Current research in East tern Africa with emphasis on zoonoses and waterborne diseases. Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Medical Scientific Conference of KEMRI / KETRI, Nairobi, Kenya, pp. 264 – 271
Opiyo, E. . (1983) . Virulence of Trypanosoma (Nannomonas) simiae to pigs during experimental infection . In: Opiyo, E. , OAU/STRC proceedings of the OAU / ISCTRC meeting, Arusha, Tanzania
Opiyo, E. A., Alushula, H., Kuto, B., Olaho, W. M . (1982) . Use of tsetse fly data as a measure of trypanosome risk . Kenyan Veterinarian, 6(2)
Opiyo, E. A., Mgutu, S. P., Okumu, I. and Amakobe, E. J. 1981 . (1981) . The performance of a colony of G. pallidipes . In: Njogu, A. R., Tukei, P. M. and Roberts, J. M. D. (eds.). , Recent developments in medical research in Eastern Africa. Proceedings of the 1st Annual Medical Scientific Conference of KEMRI / KETRI, Nairobi, Kenya, pp. 202 – 207
Opiyo, E. A. 1981 . (1981) . An attempt to colonize Glossina pallidipes Austen at Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute. Proceedings of the OAU/ISCTRC 16th meeting, Yaounde, Cameroun
Opiyo, E. A. and Njogu, A. R. 1980 . (1980) . Trypanosome infection in Glossina pallidipes in Lambwe Valley, Homa Bay District . In: Ogada, T (ed.), , Proceedings of a working seminar on human and animal trypanosomiasis in Lambwe valley, November, 1980, Homa Bay, Kenya
Opiyo, E. A. 1979 . (1979) . The performance of Glossina pallidipes Austen maintained on oxen at EATRO, Tororo. OAU / STRC 15th meeting of the ISCTRC, Banjul, the Gambia
Opiyo, E. A. and Kutuza, S. B. . (1976) . Trypanosome infection rates and the fly host relationship of Glossina species found . East African Journal of Medical Research, 3(1), p. 10
Walker, P. J. and Opiyo, E. A. 1973 . (1973) . The repeatability of the Blood Incubation Infectivity Test (BIIT) . Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 67(1)

Projects

Unlocking the Potential of Green Charcoal to Mitigate Climate Change in Northern Uganda (UPCHAIN)
    Dr. Collins Okello, Dr. Alidri Agatha, Dr. Tabo Geoffrey Olok, Prof. Okumu Charles Nelson, Dr. Alidri Agatha, Prof. Auma Elizabeth Opiyo- Work Package Lead: Capacity Building and Organization
Molecular Aspects of Tsetse and Trypanosome Transmission. Ref #GR105442 (CON-80001706)
    Aksoy, Serap and Richard Echodu(M-PI) Investigators Elizabeth A. Opiyo and Opiro Robert.
Training Health Researchers in Vocational Excellence (THRiVE) DEL-15-011/107742/Z/15/Z
    Co-PI Gulu University: Prof Elizabeth A. Opiyo
“Factors in emergence of new sleeping sickness foci in Uganda” Sub-Contract
    Principal Investigator: Yale – Prof Serap Aksoy Principal Investigator: Gulu - Prof Elizabeth A. Opiyo
UN-RCO UGA/RFP/11
    Principal Investigator: Prof Emilio Ovuga, Prof. Auma Elizabeth Opiyo - Investigator in charge of information
Evolutionary Genetics of Tsetse and its Symbionts The goal of this project is to study the population genetics of G. f. fuscipes, it’s symbionts and trypanosomes in the two distinct geographic belts in Uganda
    Prof. Auma Elizabeth Opiyo - PI Gulu

Supervision


PhD
Opiro Robert: PhD of Gulu University 2018. Topic – “Genetic diversity of Glossina fuscipes fuscipes populations in Northern Uganda”.

Bibianne Wanja Waiganjo: PhD of Gulu University 2016. Topic – Efficacy, Safety and Conservation Status of Antimalaarial and Mosquito repellent plants used in Embu county, Kenya.

Echodu Richard: PhD of Gulu University 2013. Topic – “Molecular Genetic Studies of Glossina fuscipes fuscipes  and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense in Eastern Uganda
Japhet Mutegi Kiragu: University of Bristol. September 1999.Topic – “Ecology and Behaviour of the Tsetse Fly Glossina brevipalpis Newstead and its Possible Role as a Vector of Livestock Trypanosomiasis in Kibwezi, Kenya”.

Joseph Njuguna Makumi: University of Bristol. March 1994; Topic – “The Behaviour and Role of Glossina longipennis as a Vector of Trypanosomiasis in Cattle at Galana ranch, South Eastern Kenya”.

Masters
More than 15 students and still counting

More Information


Membership of Societies and Appointments
2023-2025       Member of Pan African Malaria Control (PAMCA) Women in Vector control (WiVC)
2022-                 Member, Gulu University Vetting Committee
2017 -2022    Co-PI Training Health Researches into Vocational Excellence (THRiVE 2)
2016               Member of Search Committee for Vice Chancellor of Gulu University
2015- 2020       Member of Lira University Council
2014 – 2017     Member of Board of Directors and Chairperson of the Human Resources Management and Development Committee, Uganda National Meteorological Authority
2013                Chairperson of the Search Committee for the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Gulu University
2009                Nominated as member of the Natural Resources Consortium bidding for European Union Project on Rural Development
2008 – 2017     Member of Gulu University Senate
2008 – 2012     Member of Gulu University Council and member of the Planning and Development Committee of the Gulu University Council
2008 – 2010     Member of the Technical Advisory Group for the Advocacy for African Trypanosomiasis of the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) and Pan African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC) of the African Union.
2006                      Life Member Uganda Society
1994                Member of the Specialist Health Sciences Committee, National Council for Science and Technology, Kenya
1888 -1991       UNDP/WORLD BANK/WHO temporary advisor on the Steering Committee on Epidemiology, Vector Biology and Control of African Trypanosomiasis, Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, Geneva, Switzerland
1982 – 1985     Member of the organizing committee for the 7th International Congress of protozoology held in 1985, Nairobi, Kenya
1982                Secretary to the African Association of Insect Scientists (AAIS)
1980                Member of the steering committee for proposed ICIPE Alumni Association, Kenya
1975    Member of the East African Society for Parasitologists

Employment Record

Jan 2018

July 2012-2017

Feb 2011 – Jun 2012

Sep 2009-Feb 2011

 

Jan 2008 –

Sep 2009

Dec 2004 – Dec 2007

 

 Professor of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Gulu University

Director, Institute of Research and Graduate Studies, Gulu University

 

Acting Director, Institute of Research and Graduate Studies, Gulu University

 

 

Deputy Dean, Faculty of Science, Gulu University

 

Lecturer, Associate Professor of Entomology and Parasitology, Gulu University

 

ICC – I provided linguistic support to the International Criminal Court investigations in Northern Uganda. My duties included field interpretation for investigators, translating text between Acholi and English, and transcription of audio and video recorded interviews. I played a key role in developing the Acholi language glossary and terminology standards used in the Court.
Dec 2002 – Sep 2003 AU – As expert seconded to the Pan Africa Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign (PATTEC) Coordination Office, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I helped PATTEC to establish and to operate field insectaries, tsetse production factories and releases. I advised counterparts in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to take appropriate steps to establish and to operate field insectaries and mass rearing centres. I prepared and reviewed standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and introduced relevant process and product quality assurance routines. I liaised with architects and engineers designing new facilities and to upgrade existing facilities and to advise on specifications of equipment, their installation and maintenance. I also assessed the suitability of mass reared strains for releases against identified tsetse target populations. And, I contributed to the refinement of activities relevant to site-specific implementation of the PATTEC Action Plan and to the development of proposals for programme funding.
Feb 1995 –

Feb 2002

 IAEA – Research Entomologist and head, the Tsetse group, FAO /IAEA Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratory, Seibersdorf, Austria. This was in support of the Joint FAO/IAEA programmes for the development and the transfer of appropriate technology to implement the sterile insect technique (SIT) programmes to IAEA member states. I was responsible for improving the efficacy of tsetse SIT by planning, developing and evaluating improved mass rearing procedures. I supervised junior scientists, a senior technician and seven (7) Laboratory technicians. I developed capacity building programmes and trained technical fellows at Regional Training Courses. I successfully lead a team of scientists from six countries in a Coordinated Research Programme to develop a semi-automated tsetse rearing system. This system is in the process of being transferred to African countries. I went on many missions across Africa to support project counterparts and to discuss possibilities to integrate nuclear applications in their tsetse and trypanosomiasis management programmes. I prepared internal documents, published research results, and participated in scientific meetings.
Jul 1977 –

Feb 1995

 KETRI – I played a key role in the establishment of the Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute [KETRI]. As the head of the Entomology Division, my team established colonies of tsetse flies; G. pallidipes and G. morsitans for the experimental transmission of trypanosomes and for other studies. Together with the National Tsetse Control Department, the East African Desert Locust Organization and Hoecst, I evaluated the efficacy of sequential aerial spray using endosulfan in Lambwe Valley, Kenya. Our evaluation indicated that, although it was  a success in Zimbabwe, the technology as applied was unsuitable for the conditions in the Lambwe valley. I then helped to monitor the efficacy of natural pyrethrum in the Lambwe valley, Kenya during the sequential aerial spray to control tsetse. We found that the formulation of natural pyrethrum was ineffective for control. The insecticide formulation used for spraying was shown to be unsuitable for aerial application.

I conducted tsetse control trial in the Galana Ranch, Kenya using odour-baited insecticide impregnated targets. The procedure was similar to that developed in the Rifa Triangle, Zimbabwe. Odour–baited insecticide impregnated targets is a simple and affordable tsetse control method that is environmentally friendly and reduces reliance on drugs to treat livestock. I conducted a similar tsetse trial  in South Nyanza, Kenya. Apart from the evaluation of targets, the community was involved in installing and maintaining and protecting targets. The initial trial was funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Ottawa, Canada. The second trial, entitled “Developing Sustainable Tsetse Control Using Deltamethrin Impregnated Targets in Areas around National Park”, was funded by UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases. These trials stopped transmission of trypanosomiasis in both livestock and people. No case of human trypanosomiasis was recorded in the area up to 2001. Then, I also I supervised four graduate students: two for MSc, University of Nairobi, Kenya and two for PhD for University of Bristol, UK.

In partnership with International Atomic Energy Agency, I participated in the Field-testing of new insecticide formulation to control tsetse flies using odour-baited targets.
Jun 1974 –

Jun 1977

 EATRO – Returned to EATRO after completion of MSC Medical Parasitology course at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK. I was put in charge of the Entomology Section. My work centred on laboratory colonization of two species of tsetse, G. morsitans and G. pallidipes and I also studied the ecology of tsetse.

I supervised the maintenance of laboratory tsetse colonies at the then East African Trypanosomiasis Research Organization (EATRO), Tororo, Uganda.

In 1974, I was in charge of the tsetse fly component of a multi-disciplinary team on a trypanosomiasis survey in Kigoma Province, Tanzania where there was an out break of sleeping sickness. The results of the survey were used to design a management programme.
Sep1971 –

Aug 1972

 EATRO – I joined the East African Trypanosomiasis Research Organization (EATRO), Tororo, Uganda as a Research Officer. I tested drugs on recently isolated trypanosome strains, tested new techniques for the capillary concentration medium that were usable with all trypanosome species, and tested the wider applicability of the techniques to other problems. I studied effects of parasite loads on curative doses in experimental trypanosomiasis. During the same period, I also worked on the repeatability of the blood incubation infectivity test (BIIT) for characterization of Trypanosoma brucei group trypanosomes.