Uganda’s Health Minister Calls for Increased Local Manufacturing at the 4th Uganda Pharma Healthcare 2025
Dr. Aceng highlighted that Uganda’s Build Uganda, Buy Uganda (BUBU) policy has created an enabling environment for investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The policy encourages the production and consumption of locally manufactured goods, reducing reliance on imports.
Kampala, Uganda – February 13, 2025
The Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, has emphasized the need for increased local manufacturing in Uganda’s pharmaceutical industry, citing the government’s commitment to policies that support investment in the sector. She made these remarks while officially opening the 4th edition of Uganda Pharma & Healthcare 2025, which runs from February 13 to 15 at the UMA Show Grounds, Lugogo, Kampala.
The event, Uganda’s largest Pharmaceutical, Medical, and Healthcare Exhibition, has brought together key industry players, policymakers, and investors to explore opportunities in Uganda’s growing healthcare sector. The expo, organized by Exhibitions & Trade Services India Private Limited (ETSIPL), serves as a platform for showcasing innovations, networking, and tapping into the East African market.
Government Policies Favoring Local Manufacturing
Dr. Aceng highlighted that Uganda’s Build Uganda, Buy Uganda (BUBU) policy has created an enabling environment for investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The policy encourages the production and consumption of locally manufactured goods, reducing reliance on imports.
“The pharmaceutical industry in Uganda favors goods that are manufactured locally, and we have made policies to attract investors,” said Dr. Aceng.
She further emphasized that the African Union Vision 2063 supports the local manufacturing agenda across the continent, urging African countries to scale up production of medicines, health supplies, and vaccines. The lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that even when African countries had funds, they struggled to purchase essential medical supplies due to external dependencies.
The Need for Self-Sufficiency in Pharmaceuticals and IPC Materials
Dr. Aceng called upon Uganda and other African nations to invest in manufacturing critical medical supplies, including test kits, vaccines, and infection prevention and control (IPC) materials.
"Uganda frequently experiences disease outbreaks. What we need in the country is readily available Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) materials," she stated.
She also noted that Uganda has 15 antigens in its vaccination schedule, more than any other African country, and questioned why Uganda should continue importing vaccines instead of producing them locally.
Supporting Local ARV and Anti-Malarial Drug Manufacturing
In light of the United States government's reduction of donor aid to Uganda through USAID, Dr. Aceng acknowledged the contribution of local pharmaceutical manufacturers, such as Quality Chemicals and Kampala Pharmaceuticals, which produce essential drugs, including antiretrovirals (ARVs) and anti-malarial medication.
She assured stakeholders that the Ugandan government remains committed to supporting local drug manufacturing to ensure sustainability in the healthcare sector, particularly as donor funding declines.
The Significance of Uganda Pharma & Healthcare 2025
The Uganda Pharma & Healthcare Expo provides a strategic gateway to East Africa’s pharmaceutical and healthcare business community. It serves as an ideal platform for manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors from Uganda and beyond to explore opportunities in Uganda’s growing healthcare industry.
With participants from multiple countries, the exhibition presents an opportunity to showcase innovations, discuss industry trends, and strengthen partnerships in the medical and healthcare sectors.
Dr. Aceng’s remarks reaffirm the government’s commitment to boosting local pharmaceutical manufacturing as a strategy for achieving self-sufficiency in medicines and healthcare products. By promoting policies like BUBU, investing in local vaccine production, and supporting indigenous pharmaceutical companies, Uganda is positioning itself as a regional leader in healthcare manufacturing.
The 4th Uganda Pharma & Healthcare Exhibition is expected to drive conversations around investment, policy frameworks, and innovative solutions aimed at transforming Uganda’s pharmaceutical and healthcare landscape.
