Museveni Welcomes HUVET Bio-Science Park to Boost Uganda's Vaccine Production

President Museveni has welcomed the establishment of the HUVET Bio-Science Park, describing it as a major milestone in Uganda's pursuit of vaccine sovereignty and its ambition to become a regional leader in biotechnology.

Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of engineers and medical professionals led by Eng. Hashem Azimi at State House, Entebbe, President Museveni pledged his full support for the project.

"I am very happy to receive this wonderful group of investors from Iran. I welcome you, and I will support you," President Museveni said.

The proposed HUVET Bio-Science Park is expected to spearhead Uganda's drive toward local vaccine production, veterinary biotechnology and scientific innovation, while reducing the country's dependence on imported vaccines and other biological products.

During the meeting, Eng. Azimi recalled his first encounter with President Museveni at the 2008 Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit in Kampala. He said the President challenged him by asking 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," Eng. Azimi said.

He noted that nearly two decades later, the company was ready to fulfil that vision.

"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," he said.

Eng. Azimi explained that after living and working in Uganda for almost 20 years, he had witnessed the country's economic transformation under President Museveni's leadership while also observing the significant economic losses caused by livestock diseases and the country's reliance on imported vaccines.

Rather than asking what Uganda could do for the investors, he said, the team instead focused on what they could build for Uganda—an approach that inspired 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 is intended 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 toward implementation of the project.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Animal Industry in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Bright Rwamirama, together with engineers and medical professionals involved in the proposed biotechnology project.