Health 16 July 2026 The Observer (Uganda)

Government Ready to Procure Medicines from Dei BioPharma

Ugandan government officials, led by the Ministries of Finance and Health, have expressed optimism about local drug manufacturing prospects following a visit to the Dei BioPharma facility. The move signals potential government support to boost domestic pharmaceutical production and reduce reliance on imports. Source: https://observer.ug/news/atwine-government-will-buy-dei-medicines

Uganda is set to bolster its domestic pharmaceutical sector, with key government officials indicating a commitment to purchasing medicines produced by the local manufacturing plant, Dei BioPharma. A recent high-level visit to the facility in Matugga, Wakiso district, by officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health, signals a renewed drive to strengthen local drug production and curb the nation’s significant expenditure on imported medicines.

Led by Secretary to the Treasury Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi and Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine, the delegation assessed the progress of Dei BioPharma, a project where the government has already invested over Shs 700 billion. Dr. Ggoobi expressed encouragement, noting the facility’s strides in manufacturing and contributing to the knowledge economy.

Dei BioPharma has begun producing generic medicines, including paracetamol and cancer treatment capsules, with ambitions to expand into insulin, vaccines, and cardiovascular drugs. Officials believe successful expansion could drastically cut Uganda’s medicine import bill, preserving foreign exchange and fostering job creation for thousands of Ugandans.

“The ministry of Health will buy medicines manufactured by Dei BioPharma alongside those produced by other local companies under the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda policy,” pledged Dr. Atwine. This commitment aims to provide a stable market for local producers while working towards international recognition, including WHO prequalification.

Despite the positive outlook, challenges remain. Founder Dr. Matthias Magoola highlighted significant infrastructure hurdles, particularly with inadequate electricity supply and water connectivity, which currently limit the factory’s operational capacity. The company is also investing heavily in research, with numerous patent applications filed for various treatments.

This initiative represents a step towards reducing Uganda’s vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions and enhancing national health security through local pharmaceutical self-sufficiency.