President Museveni Backs HUVET Bio-Science Park To Advance Uganda’s Vaccine Sovereignty

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reported that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has welcomed plans to establish the HUVET Bio-Science Park, presenting it as a step toward Uganda producing more of its own vaccines and strengthening its biotechnology capacity. The report says Museveni made the remarks at State House, Entebbe, during a meeting with Iranian investors, engineers and doctors led by Eng. Hashem Azimi.

According to the outlet, the proposed park is intended to support local vaccine manufacturing, veterinary biotechnology and broader scientific innovation, with the goal of reducing reliance on imported vaccines and biological products. Azimi told the president that the project was linked to a discussion dating back to the 2008 Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Summit in Kampala, when Museveni reportedly challenged him on whether his company planned to move into manufacturing.

Azimi said the initiative is envisioned as more than a factory, describing it as a biotechnology hub focused on animal health, food security, epidemic preparedness, research and export-oriented production. Watchdog Uganda reported that land for the project has already been secured in Mpigi District, which the investors presented as a milestone toward implementation.

The meeting was also attended by Bright Rwamirama, the Minister of State for Animal Industry in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, along with technical professionals connected to the proposal. If implemented, the project could be significant for Uganda’s livestock sector and public health preparedness, though the report did not provide a construction timeline, financing details or regulatory approval status.