Mavid Pharmaceuticals, a fast-growing Ugandan-owned medical manufacturing company has called for more government support as it moves to expand its product portfolio:
According to Dr Aisha Bukenya, Head of Pharmacy at Mavid, the products meet rigorous standards set by the National Drug Authority (NDA) and, in some cases, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), ensuring safety and reliability for Ugandan patients.
She noted that by producing locally, Mavid is not only cutting Uganda’s dependency on imports but also creating employment opportunities for Ugandans.
“Every product made in Uganda means jobs for Ugandans and savings on imports,” said Dr. Bukenya. “This is why we are committed to expanding our footprint in the health sector.”
The Minister of Investment and Privitazation Evelyn Anite praised the company’s progress and pledged government support to scale its operations.
She promised to facilitate Mavid’s entry into an industrial park, which would grant access to free land, tax incentives, better utilities, and stronger market linkages with institutions such as the National Medical Stores (NMS) and Joint Medical Stores (JMS).
“We will reconnect Mavid to NMS so that hospitals can once again procure medicines locally instead of relying on imports,” Anite said. “Companies like Mavad are proof that Ugandans can deliver world-class products.”
One of the major hurdles facing Mavid is the high cost of raw materials, as Uganda does not yet produce its own pharmaceutical ingredients.
These are currently sourced from Kenya, India, and China, driving up production costs. However, the company is optimistic. With increased government support and long-term investment, Uganda will be able to manufacture its own pharmaceutical inputs, significantly lowering costs for patients.
The company is also exploring the introduction of life-saving innovations, including emergency bleeding control kits for accident victims products not yet widely available in the local market.
Minister Anite described Mavid as a model of what Uganda’s industrial policy seeks to achieve.
“If we can multiply companies like Mavid across the country, Uganda will no longer be a supermarket for foreign products but a hub of local innovation,” she said.
The company, produces a wide range of medicines and medical supplies, holds an impressive portfolio of certified healthcare products, ranging from wound care items such as surgical spirits, hydrogen peroxide, and povidone iodine, to essential medicines like cough syrups, gastric antacids, and pain relief liniments.
The company also manufactures Mama Kits for expectant mothers, skincare solutions such as calamine lotion, and household essentials like hotel spirit, disinfectants, and mouth care products.