Minister Tumwebaze explores partnership to boost veterinary vaccine production
During an introductory session, the Ugandan delegation was briefed about MEVAC's history, vaccine production capacity, research and development programmes, and the company's contribution to improving animal health in Africa and beyond.
Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze (2nd right) in a group photo with officials from Middle East Veterinary Vaccines Company (MEVAC) in New Salhia City, Sharqia Governorate, Egypt, on Monday, July 27, 2026. (Courtesy)
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Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze has explored a partnership with an Egyptian veterinary vaccine manufacturer to establish a vaccine production facility in Uganda, a move aimed at strengthening animal health and supporting the livestock sector.
Tumwebaze led a delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, which included the State Minister for Fisheries, Robert Migadde, and the ministry's permanent secretary, Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama, on a visit to the Middle East Veterinary Vaccines Company (MEVAC) in New Salhia City, Sharqia Governorate, Egypt, on Monday, July 27, 2026.
The delegation, accompanied by officials from the Embassy of Uganda in Cairo, was received by MEVAC chief executive officer Dr Ahmed El-Gammal, senior management, engineering and technical teams.
During an introductory session, the Ugandan delegation was briefed about MEVAC's history, vaccine production capacity, research and development programmes, and the company's contribution to improving animal health in Africa and beyond.
“The proposed vaccine manufacturing facility will strengthen Uganda's capacity to protect its livestock and improve animal health. We are examining what is required to move from discussions to implementation,” Tumwebaze said.
The visit provided the Ugandan delegation with an opportunity to see first-hand how MEVAC's vaccine production systems operate.
Following a working luncheon, the delegation toured the facility, where they were taken through integrated systems for vaccine production, quality assurance, cold-chain management and emergency response procedures.
The visit concluded with a meeting in the boardroom, where the two sides reviewed the outcomes of the engagement and discussed a roadmap for establishing the proposed vaccine manufacturing facility in Uganda.
The discussions focused on the technical, regulatory and investment requirements that must be addressed before the project can officially commence.
“We have seen the systems, technology and expertise required to produce veterinary vaccines at scale. The next step is to examine how this experience can be adapted to Uganda's needs and regulatory environment,” one of the officials said.
The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of Uganda and MEVAC towards strengthening cooperation in veterinary vaccine production, with the proposed facility expected to contribute to improved disease control and a more resilient livestock sector.
The partnership is expected to bring vaccine production closer to farmers and livestock keepers, reducing reliance on imported vaccines while building local capacity in veterinary medicine and animal health.