Museveni backs HUVET Bio-Science park to advance Uganda's vaccine sovereignty
The proposed HUVET Bio-Science Park is expected to spearhead Uganda's roadmap towards local vaccine production, veterinary biotechnology, and scientific innovation while reducing dependence on imported vaccines and biological products.
President Yoweri Museveni in a group photo with a team of engineers and doctors led by Eng. Hashem Azimi, and other dignitaries at State House, Entebbe on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Courtesy)
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President Yoweri Museveni has welcomed the establishment of the HUVET Bio-Science Park, describing it as a major step towards Uganda's vaccine sovereignty and its ambition to become a regional leader in biotechnology.
The proposed HUVET Bio-Science Park is expected to spearhead Uganda's roadmap towards local vaccine production, veterinary biotechnology, and scientific innovation while reducing dependence on imported vaccines and biological products.
“I am very happy to receive this wonderful group of investors from Iran. I welcome you, and I will support you,” President Museveni said on Wednesday (July 29) during a meeting with a team of engineers and doctors led by Eng. Hashem Azimi, at State House, Entebbe.
President Yoweri Museveni in meeting with Eng. Hashem Azimi at State House, Entebbe on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (Courtesy)
During the meeting, Eng. Azimi recounted his first encounter with President Museveni in 2008 during the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit in Kampala. He said that at that time Museveni challenged him with a simple but significant question about whether his company intended to venture into manufacturing.
“At that time, I answered honestly and told you that manufacturing was part of our long-term vision. We were not yet ready, but it was our destination.
Your Excellency, today, 18 years later, I stand before you to fulfill that promise. This project is not simply the construction of another factory. It is the realization of a vision that has matured through years of experience, investment, scientific collaboration, and a deep belief in Uganda's potential,” Eng. Azimi said.
He explained that rather than asking what Uganda could do for the investors, the team instead asked what they could build for Uganda, an idea that gave birth to the HUVET Bio-Science Park.
“Our vision goes far beyond manufacturing vaccines. We seek to establish East Africa's first fully integrated biotechnology hub dedicated to animal health, food security, epidemic preparedness, biotechnology research and high-value exports,” he said.
According to Eng. Azimi, the project aims to position Uganda as a regional centre of excellence in veterinary biotechnology, serving not only Uganda but the wider African continent. He also informed President Museveni that land for the HUVET Bio-Science Park has already been secured in Mpigi District, marking a significant milestone towards the implementation of the project.
Dignitaries at the meeting included the Minister of State for Animal Industry in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Bright Rwamirama, plus engineers and medical professionals involved in the proposed biotechnology project.