Animal farmers in Uganda continue to face persistent challenges, from livestock diseases and unreliable feed supplies to limited access to modern knowledge and affordable veterinary care. In response, Bwera Innovations Ltd, a local enterprise supported by the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), is paving a new path—using indigenous knowledge and alternative medicine to support livestock farmers across the country.
Local Solutions for Local Problems
At the core of Bwera Innovations’ mission is the development of accessible, affordable, and eco-friendly solutions tailored to Uganda’s unique farming context. Instead of relying on imported products, the company works with Ugandan farmers and researchers to develop herbal-based animal health products. These solutions aim to reduce dependency on conventional chemical treatments while improving animal health and farmer incomes.
Grounded in Research and Community Engagement
Bwera Innovations understands that true impact comes from collaboration. The team actively engages with farmers to:
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Gather traditional knowledge of local herbs
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Train farmers in agronomic practices for cultivating raw materials
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Ensure quality assurance of herbal extracts
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Gather feedback on products to improve effectiveness
This collaborative model ensures that the very people who need the solutions most are directly involved in shaping them.
“We want to engage the farmers who are helping us develop these products. We go back to them, ask how the product works, and use their feedback to make it better,” a team member shared.
While the company is still working to acquire land for large-scale cultivation of its medicinal herbs, it continues to support smallholder farmers who can supply high-quality plant extracts.
Recognizing Ugandan Innovation
The efforts of Bwera Innovations recently caught national attention during a launch event at UIRI, presided over by former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sam Kutesa. He praised the innovators for challenging colonial-era mindsets and proving that Ugandans are capable of developing world-class solutions.
“There are those who have knowledge but keep it to themselves. But among you innovators, I see a unique spirit—one that combines knowledge with enthusiasm,” Kutesa said.
He also urged the company to take advantage of government innovation funds to scale their impact and reach more farmers.
Appropriate Technology for a Resilient Future
One of the key messages from the event was the importance of appropriate technology—solutions that are affordable, easy to use, maintainable, and relevant to the local environment. Uganda has often relied on foreign technologies that don’t suit its context. Bwera Innovations, however, is leading by example, proving that local problems can be solved by local minds with local resources.
“The raw materials are here. The entrepreneurial spirit is here. The market is here. What they need now is capital,” said Kutesa, echoing the government’s call to invest in homegrown innovation.
The Future Is Local
Bwera Innovations is not just creating products—they’re building a movement. One that empowers farmers, values indigenous knowledge, and builds Uganda’s capacity to solve its own problems. By tapping into local resources and collaborating with communities, they are redefining what it means to innovate for impact.
Bwera Innovations Ltd – Healing livestock, empowering farmers, building Uganda.
