Makerere University | Uganda
Dr. Julius Mulindwa is a distinguished molecular biologist and senior lecturer at Makerere University, Uganda, with extensive expertise in biochemistry, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. His career spans research, teaching, and mentoring, contributing significantly to advancements in vaccine research, neglected tropical diseases, and microbiome studies. With a strong background in human and animal genetics, he has pioneered initiatives in molecular diagnostics, vaccine development, and genetic determinants of infectious diseases. Dr. Mulindwa has been instrumental in capacity building for bioinformatics and molecular biology in Africa, guiding multiple postgraduate research projects and leading innovative programs to combat infectious diseases and improve public health outcomes.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Mulindwa holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and a Master’s degree in Cell Biology from Heidelberg University, Germany, and an MSc in Molecular Biology and a BSc in Biochemistry and Chemistry from Makerere University, Uganda. His academic journey laid a solid foundation for his expertise in functional genomics, transcriptomics, and recombinant protein expression, equipping him with a multidisciplinary skill set to bridge molecular research and applied biomedical sciences.
Experience
With over a decade of professional experience, Dr. Mulindwa has served as a Senior Lecturer, Lecturer, and Assistant Lecturer at Makerere University, where he teaches biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and parasitology across multiple colleges, including Natural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and Health Sciences. He has designed and supervised laboratory experiments, developed curricula, and mentored numerous undergraduate, MSc, and Ph.D. students. As a researcher, he has led and contributed to several national and international projects focusing on infectious diseases, genetic determinants of trypanosomiasis, vaccine development for COVID-19, and microbiome research in endemic regions. His work also extends to training and facilitating bioinformatics programs across East Africa.
Research Interests
Dr. Mulindwa’s research focuses on molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neglected tropical diseases, host-pathogen interactions, and genetic resistance to infectious diseases. He has conducted extensive studies on trypanosomiasis, schistosomiasis, and other parasitic infections, employing techniques such as genome-wide association studies, transcriptomics, and microbiome analysis. Additionally, his research explores the role of gut microbiome in nutritional and disease status, the development of subunit vaccines, and the use of recombinant protein expression in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. His expertise bridges laboratory research and translational science, contributing to improved diagnostics, therapeutic targets, and preventive strategies.
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout his career, Dr. Mulindwa has received numerous prestigious awards and fellowships recognizing his contributions to science and research. These include the Microbiome Travel Award from the Sanger Institute (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), Developing Country Award by the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), multiple post-doctoral fellowships under TrypanoGEN and TrypanoGEN+ (Wellcome Trust-H3Africa), ASTMH annual meeting travel award, and competitive fellowships from the German Research Foundation (DFG) and HBIGS, Germany. These honors reflect his sustained impact in advancing molecular parasitology, bioinformatics, and public health research.
Publications
Nambala, P., Satoskar, A.R., Noyes, H., Namulondo, J., Nyangiri, O., Alibu, V.P., Nerima, B., MacLeod, A., Matovu, E., Musaya, J., et al. (2024). Transcriptome profiles of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense in Malawi reveal focus specific gene expression profiles associated with pathology. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Nambala, P., Noyes, H., Namulondo, J., Nyangiri, O., Matovu, E., Alibu, V.P., Nerima, B., MacLeod, A., Musaya, J., Mulindwa, J., et al. (2023). Transcriptome profiles of T.b. rhodesiense in Malawi reveal focus specific gene expression profiles associated with pathology. Preprint.
Mulindwa, J., Webster, J.P., Namulondo, J., Kitibwa, A., Nassuuna, J., Nyangiri, O.A., Kimuda, M.P., Boobo, A., Nerima, B., Busingye, F., et al. (2022). High prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection and stunting among school age children in communities along the Albert-Nile, Northern Uganda: A cross-sectional study. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Nyangiri, O.A., Edwige, S.A., Koffi, M., Mewamba, E., Simo, G., Namulondo, J., Mulindwa, J., Nassuuna, J., Elliott, A., Karume, K., et al. (2021). Candidate gene family-based and case-control studies of susceptibility to high Schistosoma mansoni worm burden in African children: a protocol [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]. AAS Open Research.
Namulondo, J., Mulindwa, J., Nyangiri, O.A., Egesa, M., Noyes, H., Matovu, E., TrypanoGEN+ research group of the H3Africa consortium. (2021). Gene expression changes in mammalian hosts during schistosomiasis: a review [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]. AAS Open Research.
Conclusion
Dr. Julius Mulindwa is a leading scientist dedicated to bridging molecular research and applied biomedical solutions for neglected tropical diseases and emerging health challenges. His academic leadership, innovative research, and mentorship have strengthened molecular biology and bioinformatics capacity in Uganda and across Africa. By integrating advanced genomics, bioinformatics, and functional studies, his work continues to contribute to global scientific advancements in infectious disease control, vaccine development, and genetic epidemiology.