Uganda to manufacture poultry, animal drugs

Uganda is set to start manufacturing poultry and animal drugs, announced at the commissioning of the construction of the veterinary pharmaceutical plant in Namanve.

The plant, which is estimated to cost US$15 million will be carried out in three phases. Stephen Birungi, the managing director Farm Support Limited, said prices of poultry and animal drugs are set to decrease by 40% once the plant starts producing vaccines in February next year.

The plant, Alfasan Uganda Limited, is a joint venture of Farm Support Uganda and Alfasan Holland who are funding 50% of the project. Alfasan are manufacturers of veterinary medicines and specialties.

Over 80% of the country's population is involved in agriculture which is considered to be the backbone of the nation. Birungi revealed that the plant will manufacture a wide range of drugs ranging from liquids for deworming cattle and goats, poultry medicine, injectables and vaccines for poultry and cattle.

"This being the second plant in Africa after South Africa, we shall also export drugs to Rwanda, DR Congo, South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi," he said, adding that the plant will have a capacity of producing animal and poultry drugs worth US$10 million annually.

Bart Quick, the general manager Alfasan Holland, said the plant will help in the control of animal diseases in the Great Lakes region. "This means that Uganda will be able to export animal products to Europe and boost incomes of local farmers," he added.

Eddy Van Oudendijck, the Alfasan Africa manager explained that the first phase of the project would cost US$2 million, starting with producing poultry medicine, oral liquids, dewormers for cattle and vaccines for animal diseases like anthrax will follow.