Samuel Mugarura, a former Makerere Univeristy student from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) has finally inked an agreement with the government of Uganda to start manufacturing teargas after successfully testing it.
Mugarura became popular in 2016 when he announced that he can make teargas from foods like pepper, onions, mangoes, which have no side effects on human beings. The government has now come in with all the support to develop Mugarura’s teargas prototype.
This website has established that the state and Mugarura have finally signed an agreement to kick off the manufacture of his teargas prototype to standard quality, in a six-month deal. The deal is between the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and Samuel Mugarura. The six-month project is expected to cost UGX 220 Million, according to the agreement.
“The purpose of this agreement is to provide the principle investigator with a grant to carry out a Research and Innovation Project titled “TEAR GAS PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND STANDARDIZATION,” reads part of the agreement.
According to the deal, the government will provide all the necessary services like the space, access to utilities, among others. The government also vows to compensate Mugarura and staff for the damages and it will solely be responsible for all the risks involved.
“The grantee (government) is acting as an independent contractor in the performance of work under this grant, and shall be solely responsible for the payment of any and all claims for loss, personal inquiry, for death, property damage, or otherwise, arising out of any act or omission of its employee or agents in connection with the performance of work under this grant.” The agreement reads further.
Named MS 23, Mugarura’s product goes for about $10 and he believes it is by far cheaper than other teargas products imported from other countries. According to Mugarura, farmers of onions, mangoes, pepper are set to earn big incase the government stops importing teargas and decides to manufacture it here.
“I have now developed a fully functioning teargas canister that can be used by government to quell riots. We have included irritants from natural products like onions, mangoes, and hot pepper which no effect on the health of people to whom it is thrown.” Mugarura said.
Despite the agreement stipulating UGX 220 Million, Mugarura revealed that he was allocated UGX 400 Million which includes setting up a production line.
“We have been allocated shs 400 million and we are setting up a production line in Luwero industries. Government has been so helpful in mentoring and supporting our team.” Added Mugarura.
The government has vowed to continue supporting young researchers and innovators.
