Dr James Wanjama Kabugu is an infectious disease researcher and the Head of the Microbiology Laboratory under the Kenya Fisheries Service in Nairobi, Kenya, having formerly been affiliated with the State Department for Livestock, Directorate of Veterinary Services. He holds a PhD in Tropical and Infectious Diseases from the University of Nairobi and an MSc in Tropical Animal Health from the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), Antwerp, in collaboration with the University of Pretoria.

With over 15 years of experience in vector and disease surveillance, his work spans vector ecology and pathogen transmission dynamics, specifically focusing on mosquitoes and tsetse flies, and on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the aquaculture and fisheries sector.

As a dedicated proponent of the "One Health" framework, his research addresses the critical intersection of climate variability, environmental shifts, and emerging infectious disease risks. He also serves as the Chairperson of the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) Alumni Kenya Chapter.

"Understanding how climate variability drives vector dynamics is critical to predicting and mitigating emerging threats like Rift Valley fever. I am thrilled to share the findings at the ITM Colloquium 2026 and collaborate on One Health solutions for a changing environment."