Uganda to Establish $50 Million Medical Industrial Estate

Uganda is set to become a regional hub for medical manufacturing with the development of a $50 million (approximately UGX184.4 billion) medical industrial estate. The project, spearheaded by Elstop Uganda Limited, will focus on the local production of vital laboratory reagents and other essential healthcare supplies.

Located in Seeta, Mukono District, approximately 15 kilometers east of Kampala, the estate aims to significantly cut Uganda’s reliance on imported medical products. This move is expected to not only strengthen the country’s healthcare infrastructure but also improve the affordability and accessibility of critical medical supplies.

The Minister of State for Privatisation and Investment, Amina Mukalazi, expressed optimism about the investment’s potential to lower the cost of laboratory tests. She highlighted that local production of reagents would lead to substantial savings in foreign exchange.

Elstop Uganda Limited, a company already active in large-scale healthcare projects across East Africa, estimates that the first phase of construction will take 12 months. The company has requested government support, including 10 acres of serviced land, a 10-year commitment for purchasing reagents, a decade-long tax holiday, and essential amenities like roads, water, and electricity.

This new facility is projected to create over 6,000 jobs for Ugandans in various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, research, and skills development, marking a significant step towards enhancing the nation’s industrial and healthcare capabilities.

Source: Uganda Investment Authority