In a significant development for Uganda's livestock sector, the recent visit of Botswana President, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, has sparked optimism with his commitment to provide solutions for the country's beleaguered livestock industry.
During a sideline meeting at the G-77+ China summit held at Speke Resort, Munyonyo, President Masisi pledged unwavering support to Ugandan farmers in combating the persistent foot and mouth disease. The Botswana leader expressed his commitment to developing a vaccine to address this challenge in collaboration with Uganda.
In a conversation with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President Masisi conveyed his willingness to assist Ugandan cattle farmers.
He stated, "We are dealing with the foot and mouth problem, and we are producing the best vaccine in Botswana. We would like to come and look at the blood samples of your herds in Uganda and create the vaccine."
Proposing a bilateral program for comprehensive collaboration, President Masisi envisioned a government-to-government partnership to effectively tackle the foot and mouth challenge. He assured President Museveni that the needs and potential of the two countries align perfectly, particularly given Uganda's impressive 16 million cows.
President Masisi also expressed Botswana's keen interest in exploring the value chain and expanding collaboration in the dairy industry. This interest extends to the potential export of milk from Uganda to Botswana, aiming to address Botswana's feed shortage while enhancing Uganda's dairy sector.
President Museveni expressed gratitude for Botswana's willingness to support Uganda in developing the vaccine. He emphasized the importance of familiarity and collaboration, laying the groundwork for a fruitful partnership. Museveni highlighted the historical challenges faced by Uganda's cattle industry, acknowledging its progress, particularly in the dairy sector, where milk production has surged from 200 million to an impressive 5.5 billion liters annually.
"From 1989, I started the big efforts of joining the money economy, and that meant producing for the market. Due to improved veterinary services, we now have 16 million cows," remarked President Museveni.
Encouraging further collaboration, President Museveni suggested that Botswana establishes a feed manufacturing company in Uganda. This could leverage locally produced resources like soya beans, sunflower cake, molasses, and cotton seed, enhancing the livestock industry's sustainability.
As both leaders explore avenues for collaboration, the visit of President Masisi raises hopes for a strengthened partnership that could significantly impact Uganda's livestock sector, providing much-needed solutions and fostering mutual growth.
