Mwenda Admits Scepticism Misguided After Visiting Dei BioPharma Plant

Veteran journalist and political commentator Andrew Mwenda has reversed his earlier strong criticisms of scientist Dr. Matthias Magoola and the Dei BioPharma pharmaceutical facility. Mwenda, who had previously labeled Magoola a “conman” and questioned government investment, visited the Matugga-based plant and emerged with a decidedly different perspective.

“I am not an expert in the pharmaceutical industry. However, everything I have seen here is impressive,” Mwenda stated after the tour. He acknowledged that his previous judgments were made without examining the evidence, a stance he attributed partly to a “colonized mindset” that often doubts African innovation.

President Yoweri Museveni had previously challenged Mwenda in a public letter to investigate the project himself, urging him to “interview these ‘conmen’ such as Magoola” and visit his factories. Mwenda accepted this challenge, emphasizing the journalistic principle of fairness and listening to all sides before making a judgment.

Following conversations with Dei BioPharma’s staff and management, Mwenda expressed his belief that the project could significantly benefit Uganda. He reflected on whether his initial skepticism was a symptom of subconsciously applying a different standard to African entrepreneurs compared to their Western counterparts.

“I want to apologize for mischaracterising you,” Mwenda said directly to Magoola. “I apologize for making a judgment about you without even talking to you. I apologize for making accusations against your work without visiting your plant. I ask for your forgiveness.”

Despite his change of heart, Mwenda stressed that government support for local pharmaceutical manufacturing would be incomplete without public institutions prioritizing locally produced drugs over imports. He pointed to the Ministry of Health, Uganda Cancer Institute, and National Medical Stores as key entities that need to shift their procurement practices to create a viable domestic market for companies like Dei BioPharma, whose potential annual revenues could reach billions of dollars.

Dr. Magoola highlighted that Dei BioPharma holds over 100 patents for biologic medicines and aims to make Uganda the first African country to manufacture these advanced drugs. The company anticipates creating tens of thousands of jobs with its facilities in Matugga and a planned expansion in Kamuli.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)