Uganda loses trillions to ticks as NARO unveils new vaccine

25 July 2025, 9:57 am

By Ceaser Odongo

Uganda is losing between 2.5 and 3.5 trillion shillings annually due to the impact of tick infestations on livestock, particularly cattle.

This was revealed by Dr Frederick Kabi, Principal Research Officer at the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), during a media engagement training held yesterday at St Gracious Palace Hotel in Lira City. The training brought together journalists from across the Lango sub-region to raise awareness about a breakthrough in combating tick-borne diseases.

Dr Kabi explained that tick infestations reduce the health and market value of cattle, increase treatment costs, and in some cases, lead to death. In response, NARO scientists—led by Dr Kabi—have developed a new anti-tick vaccine known as NAROVAC.

He said the vaccine is safe, environmentally friendly, offers long-term protection against tick-borne diseases, and is not harmful to humans.

He noted that the vaccine has already been tested on 20 calves at Maruzi in Apac and is expected to be officially launched by President Yoweri Museveni between August and December 2025 for nationwide use.

Dr Kabi further stated that only registered veterinary officers will be permitted to administer the vaccine, urging unregistered practitioners in Lango to enrol with the Uganda Veterinary Board.

Meanwhile, Frank Mugabi, Senior Communications Officer at NARO, urged the media to assist the government by disseminating accurate information about the vaccine and encouraging its uptake. He added that Lango farmers should consult Ngetta ZARDI, the zonal NARO research centre for Lango and Acholi, which also conducts laboratory testing for seed quality.

At the same event, Dr Godfrey Otim Anyoni, an agronomist at Ngetta ZARDI, encouraged farmers to seek expert advice when dealing with disease outbreaks in crops and livestock, emphasising that today’s farming challenges require scientific solutions.