Uganda Receives Shs2.5bn FMD Vaccine Manufacturing Equipment from Egypt

Alongside the equipment, Egypt also donated 1.5 million doses of FMD vaccines, further strengthening efforts to combat the disease in Uganda.

Uganda has received advanced equipment valued at $700,000 (Shs2.5 billion) from the Arab Republic of Egypt to establish local manufacturing of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines.

Alongside the equipment, Egypt also donated 1.5 million doses of FMD vaccines, further strengthening efforts to combat the disease in Uganda.

The consignment was officially handed over to Brig. Gen. Dan Kakono, Field Artillery Division Commander, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

The event was attended by senior Ugandan and Egyptian officials, including Col. McDans Kamugira, Military Assistant to the CDF, and a delegation from Egypt led by MEVAC CEO Ahmed El Kady, Chairman Magdy El Sayed, and Sales Manager Amgad Nagy from Egypt's Ministry of Agriculture.

Uganda’s State Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Bwino Fred Kyakulaga, underscored the critical role of the consignment in combating FMD, which has plagued livestock farmers in the country.

This delivery marks the fourth shipment of FMD vaccines from Egypt this year, following previous consignments in May, July, and November.

So far, Uganda has received a total of 10 million doses, deployed to manage outbreaks that led to livestock quarantines in 32 districts, including Luwero, Gomba, Isingiro, Kazo, Kiruhura, and Sembabule.

FMD outbreaks have disrupted the cattle corridor, imposing significant economic strain due to movement restrictions on livestock and related products.

The Ministry of Agriculture estimates that Uganda requires 44 million doses annually for a bi-annual vaccination program, costing approximately $176 million per year.

The latest consignment follows high-level engagements between Ugandan and Egyptian authorities. In October, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi in Cairo to discuss cooperative efforts in agriculture and public health.

Hon. Kyakulaga expressed gratitude for the Egyptian partnership and Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni's role in facilitating the timely delivery of vaccines and equipment.

"The partnership between Uganda and Egypt is yielding significant results," Kyakulaga said. "This consignment will enhance our ability to sustainably control FMD, particularly in high-risk districts."

He commended the Chief of Defence Forces for championing collaborations with Egypt, noting that the manufacturing equipment would empower Uganda to address agricultural challenges through advanced technology and international cooperation.

The latest development promises to reduce Uganda’s dependence on imported vaccines, fostering self-sufficiency in combating FMD while bolstering bilateral relations with Egypt.