Government pledges to boost domestic pharmaceutical industry
Dr. Aisha Bukenya (Right) briefs State Minister for Investment Evelyn Anite on the range of products manufactured at the Mavid Pharmaceuticals Plant in Kajjansi, along Entebbe road Wakiso. Dr. Bukenya praised National Drug Authority (NDA) for its support in helping the company meet high quality standards
In a strong push for economic self-reliance, the Minister of State for Investment and Privatization, Hon. Evelyn Anite has toured MAVID Pharmaceuticals, a locally owned company making strides in producing high-quality medical products.
Hon Anite commended the innovation and resilience of Ugandan entrepreneurs in the health sector. She stressed that supporting local pharmaceutical manufacturers is critical for boosting the economy and advancing the government’s Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) policy.
Her tour is part of a wider government effort to spotlight homegrown industries capable of replacing imports and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Anite’s message is a rallying call for policymakers, procurement agencies, and citizens to prioritize Ugandan-made solutions, starting with healthcare. She said “NMS needs to start supporting local industrialist, like these people so that we close the gap of importing medicine”
Uganda’s otherwise advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing sector is dwarfed by its reliance on imports.
A handful of pioneering companies, including QCIL, are spearheading local production, while policies under the National Medicines Policy and BUBU initiative provide a supportive framework.
Experts say the real impact depends on addressing systemic challenges: making manufacturing cost-effective, streamlining regulations, scaling production, and ensuring rural access.
Anite highlighted the urgent need for government institutions like NMS to create a stable market for local manufacturers.
She noted that doing so would drive job creation, reduce foreign exchange losses, and strengthen Uganda’s industrial base.
The minister also emphasized the importance of land access, tax incentives, and streamlined regulatory support to accelerate the growth of indigenous pharmaceutical companies.
