ENTEBBE — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has endorsed the establishment of the proposed HUVET Bio-Science Park, describing it as a significant milestone in Uganda’s journey toward vaccine self-sufficiency and its ambition to become a regional biotechnology hub.
Speaking during a meeting at State House Entebbe with a delegation of Iranian engineers and medical experts led by Eng. Hashem Azimi, President Museveni welcomed the investment and pledged government support for the initiative.
“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 HUVET Bio-Science Park is expected to spearhead Uganda’s efforts to manufacture vaccines locally, strengthen veterinary biotechnology, promote scientific innovation, and reduce reliance on imported vaccines and other biological products.
During the meeting, Eng. Azimi reflected on his first meeting with President Museveni during the 2008 Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit in Kampala. He recalled that the President had 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 added that nearly two decades later, the project represents the fulfilment of 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 realisation of a vision that has matured through years of experience, investment, scientific collaboration, and a deep belief in Uganda’s potential.”
Having lived and worked in Uganda for almost 20 years, Eng. Azimi said he had witnessed the country’s economic transformation under President Museveni’s leadership while also recognising the persistent challenges posed by livestock diseases and Uganda’s dependence on imported vaccines.
Rather than asking what Uganda could offer the investors, he said the team instead focused on what they could build for the country—a vision that ultimately gave rise 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 intended to position Uganda as a regional centre of excellence in veterinary biotechnology, serving both the domestic market and the wider African continent.
He also revealed that land has already been secured in Mpigi District for the development of the HUVET Bio-Science Park, marking a major milestone toward implementation.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Animal Industry at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Bright Rwamirama, alongside engineers and medical professionals involved in the proposed biotechnology project.