The National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), together with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at creating a Vaccine and Livestock Research Hub in Uganda.
The Hub aims to be a transformative center for agricultural innovation and will also foster local research and development, enabling Uganda to produce vaccines tailored to the specific strains of diseases affecting its livestock.
This was confirmed by Dr. Yona Baguma, the Director General at NARO, on August 14, 2024, who emphasized a cooperative effort to improve agricultural research and development.
Dr. Baguma underlined that the vaccines under development will address vital needs in both the human and livestock health sectors. Dr. Baguma expressed optimism about the hub’s potential to revolutionize livestock disease management and enhance food security through locally developed vaccines, which he said will be possible once a livestock research hub is established.
“Today, let it be the beginning of a successful and fruitful commitment amongst NARO and ILRI, along with carefully selected partners across the continent, to establish a livestock research hub, and I believe this will be a game-changing hub that will present solutions to the rest of the continent, whereby solutions will be homegrown, coming from the people for the people,” Dr. Baguma revealed.
He continued by saying that while NARO and ILRI set out to harness local knowledge and resources to create vaccines that work and build a strong research center, this endeavor would not only improve the health of cattle but also increase food security and economic resilience in the area.
Dr. Baguma’s declaration will be crucial for Uganda’s agricultural industry, as it will allow the country to create vaccinations specifically designed to combat the strains of diseases that specifically strike its livestock.
However, as part of his vision, a sustainable model that handles regional issues and adds to the larger African context will also be developed.
