Health 16 July 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Government to Purchase Medicines from Local Pharmaceutical Firm, Dei BioPharma
Ugandan government officials are expressing renewed support for Dei BioPharma, a local pharmaceutical manufacturing plant, potentially paving the way for reduced medicine import costs and increased local production. A recent visit by high-ranking officials from the Ministries of Finance and Health aimed to assess the progress and value of the government's significant investment in the facility. Source: https://observer.ug/news/atwine-government-will-buy-dei-medicines
Uganda’s substantial annual expenditure on imported medicines may soon see a shift with a bolstered commitment to the local pharmaceutical sector. Senior delegations from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health, including Secretary to the Treasury Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi and Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine, recently toured the Dei BioPharma manufacturing facility in Matugga, Wakiso district.
The visit signified a potential turning point for strengthening domestic drug production, a move intended to lessen Uganda’s reliance on foreign pharmaceutical imports and foster skilled employment. The government has already channelled over Shs 700 billion (approximately US$190 million) into the project, and officials were keen to evaluate the return on this investment and the company’s trajectory.
Dr. Ggoobi expressed optimism about Dei BioPharma’s progress, noting its alignment with the growth of emerging economic sectors like manufacturing and the knowledge economy. The facility is already producing nine generic medicines, including paracetamol and cancer treatment capsules, with ambitious plans to expand into insulin, vaccines, and cardiovascular drugs.
This local production capacity is seen as crucial for reducing Uganda’s import bill, conserving foreign exchange, and mitigating risks associated with global supply chain disruptions. Dr. Atwine affirmed the Ministry of Health’s intention to procure medicines from Dei BioPharma under the ‘Buy Uganda, Build Uganda’ policy, thereby providing a stable domestic market for the company’s expanding output.
While acknowledging the company’s significant strides, including over 100 patent applications filed in the U.S. for various treatments, officials also highlighted the need for continued accountability and further development. Challenges such as inadequate electricity supply and water infrastructure need to be addressed to enable the factory to operate at full capacity and achieve its international regulatory goals.
https://observer.ug/news/atwine-government-will-buy-dei-medicines