NARO and Chinese University, Southwest Minzu University (SMU), have entered into a major research partnership aimed at strengthening livestock disease control, improving veterinary diagnostics and building advanced laboratory capacity in Uganda.
The collaboration between the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) and SMU of China will focus on animal husbandry and veterinary medicine research, with the goal of improving disease surveillance, developing modern diagnostic technologies and enhancing Uganda’s ability to respond to livestock disease outbreaks.
The partnership was unveiled during a high-level meeting between NARO management and a delegation from Southwest Minzu University led by its Vice President, Professor Yang Shengtao, held at Fontis Residences Hotel in Kampala.
Dr. Halid Kirunda, a veterinary epidemiologist and research leader at NARO who is leading the partnership, said the initiative will be implemented through a five-year project that is currently being developed.
He explained that Uganda continues to face challenges from more than 30 livestock diseases, affecting farmers’ ability to identify and manage different disease strains.
Dr. Kirunda said the partnership will enable scientists from both institutions to conduct joint research and develop practical solutions that will help farmers and veterinary professionals detect diseases earlier and respond more effectively.
“The partnership will enable NARO and Southwest Minzu University to jointly undertake research in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine while developing practical solutions that allow farmers and veterinary professionals to detect and respond to livestock diseases more quickly,” he said.
NARO Director General Dr. Yona Baguma described the collaboration as a significant step towards improving Uganda’s livestock research and disease management systems.
He said the partnership will support the development of affordable diagnostic tools that can help farmers identify diseases at community level before they spread and cause greater losses.
Dr. Baguma noted that Uganda’s livestock sector remains a key part of the economy, supporting millions of livelihoods, but repeated disease outbreaks continue to reduce productivity and farmers’ incomes.
“We need better tools to detect, prevent and manage livestock diseases. Strengthening our laboratory systems is essential if we are to safeguard Uganda’s livestock sector and improve farmers’ livelihoods,” Dr. Baguma said.
He added that the research and technologies developed through the partnership could benefit not only Uganda but also neighbouring countries and the wider African continent.
Professor Yang Shengtao said the partnership marks Southwest Minzu University’s first research collaboration in Africa, despite its long experience as one of China’s leading institutions in animal husbandry and veterinary sciences.
He said the university has expertise in research involving cattle, sheep and poultry and is prepared to share knowledge, technology and training opportunities with Ugandan scientists and students.
“Building partnerships with Africa is an important step for our university. We want to focus on improving animal health through research, establish world-class laboratories in Uganda and create training opportunities for Ugandan students and scientists,” Professor Yang said.
The meeting was attended by research directors from NARO’s nine Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institutes, as well as representatives from the National Agricultural Research Laboratories (NARL), National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI) and National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI).
The new partnership expands NARO’s international research cooperation aimed at promoting agricultural innovation, food security and sustainable development. NARO is also implementing a joint programme with China’s BGI Group on perennial rice technology as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural research in Uganda.
The Uganda-China livestock research partnership is expected to provide new solutions for disease prevention, improve animal health services and support farmers through better livestock production systems.
