WAKISO, May 4, 2026 — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned Uganda’s first locally developed anti-tick vaccine, marking a major scientific breakthrough aimed at curbing tick-borne diseases and improving livestock productivity across the country.
The launch took place last week at the National Livestock Resources Research Institute [NaLIRRI] in Namulonge, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso district.
Museveni described the innovation as a lasting solution to tick-borne diseases that have long affected livestock and undermined farmers’ incomes.
The Shs 170 billion initiative, funded by the Government of Uganda, seeks to address the persistent threat posed by ticks to the country’s livestock sector.
Speaking at the launch of both the vaccine and its production plant, Museveni said ticks remain a major challenge in cattle-keeping areas such as Sheema, Kajara and parts of Kashari. He noted that, despite the absence of tsetse flies in these regions, farmers continue to suffer significant losses.
He characterised ticks as a long-standing setback to Uganda’s livestock industry and emphasised that the new vaccine offers a safer and more sustainable alternative to acaricides, which he said are toxic and tend to lose effectiveness over time.
“The cow now kills the tick,” he remarked, underscoring the science behind the vaccine.
The President also reiterated his commitment to strengthening Uganda’s science sector, proposing tax incentives for scientists similar to those granted to security personnel, in recognition of their contribution to national development. He congratulated the scientists behind the innovation and pledged continued government support.
Museveni further confirmed the government’s commitment to provide the Shs600 billion requested by the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) to establish a vaccine research hub.
The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, welcomed the milestone, revealing that the project dates back to 2022 when scientists first presented their proposal. He commended Museveni and government for the sustained support that culminated in the vaccine’s development.
The State Minister for Animal Industry, Bright Rwamirama, praised continued government investment in livestock, noting growth in dairy farming and an increase in livestock numbers.
The Director General of NARO, Dr Yonah Baguma, described the launch as both a scientific and economic milestone. He said the vaccine is expected to protect Uganda’s estimated 16 million cattle while reducing reliance on imported vaccines and acaricides.
Dr Baguma added that the facility has the capacity to produce up to 36 million doses annually, with current output at about three million doses per month. So far, 1.5 million doses have been produced, with demand already emerging from neighbouring countries.
He noted that the project has created hundreds of jobs and positions Uganda as a potential regional hub for veterinary vaccine production.
The vaccine, branded NAROVAC-ATV1, is a recombinant product developed using antigens [Subolesin] derived from local tick species. It is administered to cattle from one month old, with three initial doses given on day 0, day 30 and day 180, providing protection for a full year. Booster doses are administered in subsequent years.
The Executive Director of the National Drug Authority [NDA], Dr David Nahamya, confirmed that the manufacturing plant meets required standards, noting that the authority provided technical oversight throughout the development process.
Farmers involved in early trials have reported positive results, citing reduced tick infestations and lower treatment costs. The vaccine is expected to retail at about Shs10,000, making it an affordable option for farmers.
The breakthrough is expected to significantly reduce the cost of tick control, cut reliance on acaricides, and boost productivity in Uganda’s livestock sector.
https://thecooperator.news/psst-ggoobi-tours-anti-tick-vaccine-facility-at-naro-nakyesasa/
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