Leading biotech scientist Dr Andrew Kiggundu passes on
Kiggundu had been the Manager of the Anti-tick Vaccine Production Labs at the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO). He is said to have died instantly after a fall at his home on the evening of Tuesday, April 7, 2026, according to sources.
The late leading biotechnology scientist, Dr Andrew Kiggundu. (Courtesy)
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The scientific fraternity in Uganda earlier today (April 8) awakened to the sad news of the death of a leading biotechnology scientist, Dr Andrew Kiggundu.
He had been the Manager of the Anti-tick Vaccine Production Labs at the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO). He is said to have died instantly after a fall at his home on the evening of Tuesday, April 7, 2026, according to sources.
Having completed his PhD at the University of Pretoria in 2006, Dr Kiggundu was instrumental in developing cutting-edge solutions to many challenges affecting farmers in the country.
He worked with the banana research team that successfully developed resistant varieties against banana wilt disease, the Irish potato team to develop late blight-resistant potatoes, and the cassava team to develop virus-resistant cassava.
At the time of his death, he was working with the livestock research team to produce sufficient doses of the anti-tick vaccine at NARO’s facilities in Nakyesesa in Namulonge.
Dr Kiggundu also worked with UVRI to support the development of malaria vector control solutions. He also served as the chairperson of the Uganda Biotechnology and Biosafety Consortium, supporting the push for a regulatory framework for modern biotechnology in the country.
According to friends and colleagues, Dr Kiggundu was a jovial and collaborative person who always stood on the side of evidence to ensure informed discourse on all scientific issues.