Aceng Calls on Pharma Companies to Manufacture Medicine Locally in Uganda

The Minister of Health, Jane Ruth Aceng, has urged pharmaceutical companies to manufacture medicines locally in Uganda.

“It is time to develop local manufacturing plants in Africa, particularly in Uganda. It is the way to go. I encourage you all to manufacture locally,” said Aceng while presiding over the Uganda Pharma Healthcare 2024 event at the UMA Showroom in Kampala.

The three-day event provides free medical services such as eye check-ups, and dental and orthopedic services, along with exhibitions by pharmaceutical companies.

Aceng stated that the Ugandan government is committed to supporting the development of the pharmaceutical sector. Several policies and incentives have been put in place to bolster this strategy.

“We have incentives for manufacturers in industrial parks across the country. So, I want to encourage you not only to import but also to set up pharmaceutical industries in the country,” she noted.

“The National Development Plan 3 focuses on pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. We are currently working on the National Development Plan 4 and will continue prioritizing manufacturing.”

She revealed that the government is amending the NDA law to make the registration of products easier.

The Minister appreciated the Indian government for its unwavering support, not only to local manufacturers in Uganda but also to the health sector in terms of medical tourism, clinical care, and technological transfer.

Dr Seru Morries, Commissioner Pharmaceuticals and Natural Medicines, Ministry of Health, noted that 45% of funds in healthcare go to the procurement of health supplies, with a significant portion being imported.

“Come and invest here, and fill the gap. Some are already benefiting from the initiatives; I implore the rest of you to come and join in to tap into the regional market,” he said.

In his remarks, the Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, Upendher Singh Rawat, stated that Uganda has embraced technological advances, which are key to the promotion and development of the health sector in Uganda.

He pledged to continue the different collaborations between the governments of India and Uganda in exchange programs, medical expertise, health facilities, and technology transfer to local manufacturers.

“Notably, Indian pharmaceuticals continue to supply and deliver medicine in Uganda. We shall go ahead to do more investments in high-quality healthcare for Ugandans,” he said.

Dr. Ezra Rubanda, the Executive Director of the Uganda Manufacturers Association, thanked the government for liberalizing the economy, and leading to the development of the health sector.

“You allowed the private sector to enter such a sensitive area. It’s not in every economy that private players are in the health sector. We don’t take it for granted, and we thank you very much,” he noted.

He mentioned that the government has been able to grant good policies and security for investment, among other factors.

Vijayanka Briguvanshi, the Director of ETSPIL, called for collaborations and engagements between big pharmaceutical companies and local manufacturers.

He noted that they want to make medicine and pharmaceuticals affordable to everyone.

The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda, Pamela Achili, revealed that the main purpose of the exhibition is to provide an array of services, and exhibit raw materials, devices, and everything needed in medical services.

“We are sharing knowledge and technology to develop our local sector and capacity,” she said