Makerere starts breeding lab mice

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Makerere University has started breeding laboratory mice at its Colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources and the Biosecurity Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health, New Vision Online has learnt.

Science, technology and innovation minister Dr Monica Musenero made the announcement of the establishment of a cutting-edge rodent facility at Makerere University on Thursday, June 18, 2025. 

Laboratory mice not only help scientists decipher human genomics, but they are also vital for the development of new drugs, treatments, and preventative measures. With a lab mouse, scientists around the world can use their findings to aid in drug development for preclinical research.

This initiative, according to Musenero, emerged in response to the difficulties faced in sourcing rodent models for COVID-19 vaccine testing in 2020.

Despite facing public scrutiny regarding the substantial allocation of taxpayer funds: Eight million shillings per mouse, this project aims to harness genetically humanised mice, which possess genes that closely mirror human physiology, for vital pre-clinical trials.

The facility, Musenero says, will focus on pathogen-free Westar rats, specifically bred for biological research applications, alongside commercially significant BALB/C mice and C57BL/6 strains, which are prevalent in high-level research environments.

These mice will be integral for evaluating the safety and efficacy of a wide range of products, including herbal extracts from indigenous flora, synthetic pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and advanced vaccine methodologies.

She emphasised that the establishment of this facility represents a significant industrial advancement in Uganda, previously characterised by limited local production and expertise in laboratory mice.

The initiative aims to build a robust workforce in this sector, addressing the previous deficiencies in the availability of suitable animal models.

The facility is designed to maintain stringent cleanliness and environmental controls essential for successful breeding and experimentation.

Initially, these mice were sourced from Denmark, chosen for their reproductive efficiency. However, the Government is now pivoting to establish local breeding programmes to meet domestic research requirements, including a malaria model tailored to Uganda’s specific health challenges.

Initial attempts to procure mice from China were thwarted by intense global demand, leading to the cancellation of orders after six months. A subsequent order from the US also experienced substantial delays.

Musenero indicated the potential profitability of this industry, expressing aspirations to cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals capable of contributing to this emerging research ecosystem.

Her remarks were delivered during the National Science Week in Kololo, Kampala, which is centred on the theme: Made from innovation into the market.