Uganda is making remarkable strides in the agricultural sector, and the recent praise from the World Bank Regional Director, Mr. Daniel Dulitzky, is proof of the country’s growing influence in solving Africa’s agricultural challenges. On November 24, 2025, during a visit to the National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI) in Wakiso district, Mr. Dulitzky hailed Uganda’s innovative Anti-Tick Vaccine, developed by the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO). The World Bank Director referred to the vaccine as a “Centre of Excellence,” not just for Uganda, but for all of Africa.
This vaccine addresses a critical problem faced by farmers across the continent: ticks and tick-borne diseases. These pests are a major threat to livestock, causing Uganda alone to lose up to USD 1.1 billion each year. But with the new vaccine, Uganda is turning this challenge into an opportunity. With a production capacity of 60 million doses per year, at just USD 1 per dose, the vaccine promises to save farmers an estimated USD 49 per cow annually. This breakthrough not only promises to reduce the financial burden on Ugandan farmers but also sets a new precedent for homegrown solutions to African agricultural problems.
Mr. Dulitzky, who has a background in cattle farming in Argentina, expressed deep admiration for Uganda’s progress. “I am not Ugandan, but I feel proud anyway,” he said, emphasizing the importance of African solutions to African problems. The World Bank is eager to continue supporting NARO and similar institutions, reinforcing its commitment to the long-term development of agricultural research in Uganda and beyond.
Dr. Yona Baguma, the Director General of NARO, shared the excitement, highlighting how the World Bank’s support has helped Uganda establish strong agricultural research centres, like the Cassava Centre of Excellence. These initiatives, he explained, have put Uganda at the forefront of agricultural innovation, not only benefiting local farmers but also creating solutions with potential global impact.
Dr. Baguma’s ambition is to expand NARO’s vaccine capacity into a regional hub, producing not just livestock vaccines but also pharmaceuticals and biologicals that can enhance both livestock and human health across Africa. “We want to scale up and develop products that can transform the health of both livestock and people, benefiting the entire continent,” he said.
A Win for Farmers and the Economy
One of the most striking aspects of this development is its potential economic impact. The vaccine offers a direct cost-saving benefit for farmers, many of whom have struggled with expensive and ineffective acaricides. With the current cost of acaricide spraying exceeding USD 50 per week, and with these chemicals no longer proving effective, the Anti-Tick Vaccine provides a more sustainable and affordable solution.
Farmers, like Mr. Kenneth Katungisa, a member of the NARO Governing Council, are already seeing the demand for the vaccine grow. He stressed the urgency of the situation, noting that farmers are desperate for a solution and have even resorted to mixing chemicals in unsafe ways, which has led to the loss of livestock due to blindness. The Anti-Tick Vaccine offers a safer, more effective alternative, providing hope to thousands of Ugandan farmers.
Moreover, the vaccine’s success highlights the importance of local production in meeting Uganda’s agricultural needs. Uganda spends millions importing vaccines and disease-control inputs, but with innovations like the Anti-Tick Vaccine, the country is taking control of its agricultural destiny, reducing dependency on imports and strengthening its local economy.
The Bigger Picture: Scaling Up and Strengthening Systems
While the Anti-Tick Vaccine is a breakthrough, it is just one part of a larger vision for Uganda’s agricultural transformation. Dr. Paul Mwambu, representing the Minister for Agriculture, highlighted the need to continue strengthening Uganda’s research, extension, and innovation systems. With proper investment and strategic planning, Uganda has the potential to become a regional leader in agricultural production and research. Dr. Mwambu also emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure, particularly in irrigation, rural roads, and storage facilities, which are key to boosting agricultural productivity.
Furthermore, the need for digital transformation in agriculture was underscored, with calls for better access to digital platforms for advisory services, financial inclusion, and market access. These initiatives would allow farmers to make informed decisions, increase their productivity, and secure better prices for their products.
