The President, Tumwebaze, Rwamirama and scientists featured at the launch of the NARO Anti – tick Vaccine and commissioning of the production plant at Namulongo, the outskirts of Kampala today, April 30th 2026
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda’s first locally developed anti-tick vaccine has been unleashed, making it the first time local scientists has fronted and patented a home-grown invention in the world of veterinary medicine.
The vaccine was commissioned at the National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI) in Namulonge, Nansana Municipality by President Yoweri Museveni today.
The President described the invention as a lasting solution to tick-borne diseases that have long affected livestock.
The Shs170 billion initiative has been funded by the government of Uganda to address the tick threat to livestock in the country.
Speaking at the launch of the vaccine and a production plant, the President hailed he local scientists, adding that ticks have been a major challenge in cattle-keeping areas such as Sheema, Kajara and parts of Kashari, where farmers, despite the absence of tsetse flies, continue to suffer heavy losses.
He described ticks as a long-standing setback to Uganda’s livestock sector and emphasized that the new vaccine provides a safer and more durable alternative to acaricides, which he noted are toxic and become less effective over time.
“The cow now kills the tick,” he said, underscoring the innovation behind the vaccine.
Museveni also reiterated his commitment to strengthening Uganda’s science sector, proposing tax incentives for scientists similar to those extended to security personnel, in recognition of their role in national development.
He further congratulated the scientists behind the innovation and pledged continued government support.
He also confirmed government’s commitment to avail the Shs600 billion requested for by the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) to establish the vaccine research hub.
Museveni touring the production facility
Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, welcomed the milestone, revealing that the project dates back to 2022 when scientists first presented their proposal.
He commended the government for the support that has culminated in the successful development of the vaccine.
Bright Rwamirama, the State Minister for Animal Industry praised sustained government investment in livestock, noting growth in dairy farming and an increase in livestock numbers.
Dr. Yonah Baguma, the Director General of NARO, 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.
He added that the facility has the capacity to produce up to 36 million doses annually, with current production at about 3 million doses per month.
So far, 1.5 million doses have been produced, with demand already emerging from neighboring countries.
Dr. Baguma noted that the project has created hundreds of jobs and positioned 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 at day 0, day 30 and day 180, providing protection for a full year. Booster doses are administered in subsequent years.
Dr. David Nahamya, the Executive Director of the National Drug Authority (NDA), 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.
About the Author
