Manufacturing Local Covid 19 Vaccine
Finance Minister Matia Kasaija has revealed that Uganda is in its final stages of starting the manufacture of a local vaccine against covid19.
Kasaija however says Ugandan scientists working on enabling the locally bred vaccine need 14 million dollars approximately of 248 Billion shillings to kick start.
Kasaija, while interfacing with the covid19 parliamentary taskforce team chaired by Hon Abdu Katuntu says the only hurdle between the manufacturing the vaccine is the availability of the required funds.
The task force was established by the deputy speaker of parliament to inquire into the government’s preparedness and response to covid-19 and the impact of its interventions in fighting COVID-19.
Kasaija told the committee on Thursday that he was approached by section scientists who needed funds to manufacture and set up a vaccine facility.
He said they are seeking 14 million dollars for the initial stages of manufacturing the vaccine that will involve bringing in international partners, and 70 million dollars for setting up the vaccine facility.
”Our scientists am dealing with them, they have asked me for 14 m dollars to begin, the idea they have already assembled it but they need that money to buy the materials to put up the factory, the factory is i think 70 million dollars but they need that 14 to bring in other partners from outside the country,” he said
Kasaija also told the MPs that there are two solutions to the COVID-19 vaccine which include locally manufacturing vaccines, and sourcing for vaccines for all Ugandans from abroad.
”We will procure adequate vaccines and target to vaccinate at least 22 million people to reduce the covid-related death risks and enable the economy to fully re-open. We have earmarked 560 billion for purchase of vaccines.”Kasaija said
Manufacturing Local Covid 19 Vaccine
However, a section of MPs asked the minister to instead source the required funds from budget cuts on security.
Jim Ochero the MP Labwor County said if vaccination is the ultimate solution then the government should use the funds allocated to security, and enforcement to mobilize and procure the vaccines.
”There is even a shorter way of vaccinating the community, Hon Minister we want to mobilize you to join us in looking for money, through you, we want to begin by mobilizing for money from within the budget that was passed this year”.Ochero noted
MPs have also questioned the 371 billion shillings supplementary request for COVID-19 intervention which was allocated to the Ministry of Health, security, and COVID-19 task force among others.
They were concerned that 50 Billion Shillings were allocated to security, 53.7 billion to the National Taskforce and Local Government activities and 8 billion shillings for the Ministry of ICT and National guidance for information dissemination 53.5 billion shillings is for cash relief for vulnerable Ugandans.
