East African Gazette
Entebbe
The Botswana Vaccine Institute is to assist Uganda in addressing the persistent issue of Foot and Mouth disease, which continues to pose a significant obstacle to cattle farmers in the nation.
This information was disclosed during a meeting held today at State House, Entebbe, between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and scientists from Botswana.
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Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, as well as the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, were also present at the meeting.
The engagement was a continuation of the bilateral meetings between President Museveni and the President of Botswana Eric Mokgweetsi Keabetswe Masisi on 22nd January, 2024 at Speke Resort, Munyonyo, during the G77+ China Third South Summit.
Botswana Vaccine Institute scientists have since corrected samples from the cattle affected by the foot and mouth disease in the cattle corridor and other parts of the country affected by the disease.
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These samples will be taken to Botswana Vaccine Institute to find a vaccine that will help prevent the infection.
The President extended a warm welcome to the Scientists from Botswana and reached an agreement to collaborate on the development of the vaccine.
“The other time, I also discussed with H.E Mokgweetsi about animal feeds, if the Botswana companies could come here because we have a lot of maize. For instance, the other year we produced five million tonnes but we consumed one million tonnes internally, so if there are companies which want animal feeds for local consumption and also for export back to Botswana, they are welcome,” he said.
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The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, said the institute agreed to collaborate with the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) in order to develop a vaccine that will effectively combat foot and mouth disease in Uganda.
“In our discussions, they agreed to the idea that they can partner with NARO to develop their kind vaccine. They are now serving Southern Africa, so they believe they can also help us to produce for East Africa,” he said.
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Tumwebaze further mentioned that they have successfully persuaded the Botswana delegation to purchase milk from Uganda as well, emphasizing its superior quality and assurance that it is sourced from regions unaffected by foot and mouth disease.
Andrew Madeswi, the CEO of Botswana Vaccine Institute, confirmed that the sample collection mission has been completed, with the next phase involving testing the samples.
The official findings are expected to be released by the end of March 29, 2024.
Mokganedi Mokopasetso, the Technical Director of Botswana Vaccine Institute, said samples were collected from three districts in the west and eastern part of the country, and other several sub-counties. He expressed confidence that their mission was successful.
The meeting was also attended by Dr. Monica Musenero, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Judith Nabakooba, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Bright Rwamirama, Minister of State for Animal Industry, Ambassador Paul Amoru, High Commissioner of Uganda to South Africa, and Maj Gen. David Kyomukama Kasura, the Permanent Secretary MAAIF, among others.