President Museveni has welcomed the establishment of the HUVET Bio-Science Park, describing it as a significant milestone in Uganda’s quest for vaccine sovereignty and its ambition to become a regional biotechnology hub.
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of engineers and medical professionals led by Eng. Hashem Azimi at State House Entebbe, President Museveni pledged government support for the project, which is expected to strengthen Uganda’s capacity in local vaccine production and scientific innovation.
“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 roadmap towards local vaccine manufacturing, veterinary biotechnology and scientific research while reducing the country’s reliance on imported vaccines and other biological products.
Addressing the meeting, Eng. Azimi recalled his first meeting with President Museveni during the 2008 Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit in Kampala, where the President challenged him on 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 now ready to fulfil that vision.
“Your Excellency, today, 18 years later, I stand before you to fulfil 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 added.
Eng. Azimi said that after living and working in Uganda for nearly 20 years, he had witnessed the country’s economic transformation under President Museveni’s leadership. At the same time, he observed the significant economic losses caused by livestock diseases and Uganda’s continued dependence on imported vaccines.
He explained that instead of asking what Uganda could do for the investors, the team focused on what they could build for Uganda, an idea that ultimately led 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 is designed to position Uganda as a regional centre of excellence in veterinary biotechnology, serving not only Uganda but the wider African continent.
He also revealed that land for the HUVET Bio-Science Park has already been secured in Mpigi District, marking a major milestone towards implementation.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Animal Industry in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Bright Rwamirama, alongside engineers and medical professionals involved in the proposed biotechnology project.
