Egypt and Uganda forge partnership for Foot and Mouth Disease vaccine production

UGANDA – The governments of Egypt and Uganda have joined forces through the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) to embark on local production of vaccines targeting Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

The collaborative effort was met with approval from the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, during a meeting with an Egyptian delegation at his Kisozi farm in Gomba District over the weekend.

Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, the President welcomed the initiative, highlighting its potential benefits for the agricultural sector.

Representing NARO in the discussions was Dr. Swidiq Mugerwa, the Deputy Director General in charge of Research Coordination. Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, unveiled plans for the Ugandan government to support NARO in constructing a local vaccine production facility, leveraging technology transfer from Egypt.

The collaboration will also involve the training of Ugandan scientists in specialized FMD vaccine production techniques by their Egyptian counterparts.

In Uganda, the FMD virus comprises four strains, namely; Serotype “O”, Serotype “A”, “SAT 1”, and “SAT 2”.

While Egypt produces vaccines covering three of these serotypes, Uganda aims to fill the gap by producing the SAT 1 serotype.

With Uganda boasting a substantial livestock population of 44 million, including 16 million cows, the demand for vaccination is considerable. 

The Egyptian delegation visited NARO laboratories at the National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI) in Nakyesasa, Wakiso district, to assess the readiness and capacity of the facilities for joint FMD vaccine production. 

Dr. Yona Baguma, NARO Director General, led the delegation and underscored the organization’s preparedness for diagnostics and vaccine production.

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Saad, representing Egypt, commended the expertise of NARO scientists and the capabilities of the laboratories.

He noted the need for additional equipment and specialized training before local production could commence in full.

Gen. Mohsen Azouz, Director of the Veterinary Service Department in Egypt, reassured President Museveni of Egypt’s commitment to the partnership.

The meeting was attended by several dignitaries, including Hon. Bright Rwamirama, Maj. Gen. David Kyomukama Kasura, and Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, underscoring the significance of the collaboration for both countries’ agricultural sectors.

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