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Government through the Ministry of Health has expressed willingness to support and work with private players in order to overturn Uganda’s high dependence on medical and health imports.

Over 45% of Uganda’s health expenditure goes to procuring medicine, health supplies and other related items. However, 85% of these medical and health supplies are imported from India and China.

Health minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng expressed government’s commitment to supporting the development of the pharmaceutical sector on Thursday, February 22, 2024, while officiating the launch of the Third Edition of the Uganda Pharma and Healthcare International Expo at UMA Multipurpose Hall in Lugogo, Kampala.

The exhibition that kicked off yesterday has attracted over 120 manufacturing companies from India, China, Pakistan, Turkey, Portugal, Bangladesh and Germany showcasing their products and engaging and sharing knowledge at the event that will run till tomorrow.

Aceng said the Government has put up several incentives and policies to support players in the health sector willing to manufacture pharmaceuticals.

“Government has set up industrial parks in all regions of the country, and there is land for those who are willing to manufacture,” Aceng added.

Furthermore, the minister told the audience that the international community currently through the World Health Organisation (WHO) and African Union (AU), is focusing on local manufacturing in Africa after what happened during the Covid-19 pandemic where Africa had limited resources. GAVI has put forward $ 1m to any manufacturer that is willing to manufacture vaccines in Africa and Global Fund is also willing to buy over three million test kits from Africa.

“it is time to develop local manufacturing in Africa, it is the way to go,” she said.

Aceng added that they have amended the National Drug Authority (NDA) law to ease and fasten the registration of local products and for NDA to support the processes of local manufacturing.

The nightmare that we used to go through to attain WHO prequalification is now being considered for a waiver as long as the country where your manufacturing has approved.

The health minister stated that the pharmaceutical and manufacturing industry was part of the Third National Development Plan (NDPIII) and will continue to carry on with manufacturing in NDP 4 which starts in June 2025.

Indian High Commissioner to Uganda Upender Singh Rawat  said Uganda and India have evolved one of the most significant trading partnerships, thanks to the unwavering support from government to the health sector.

“Uganda-India bilateral trade has witnessed a steady growth in the past decade, reaching an impressive figure of $800 million in 2023,” said Rawat.

Rawat informed the audience that technology has been extended to Uganda, and people don’t have to travel to India and can now access these services directly in Uganda through Indian health facilities.

“The convergence of our nations in the health care sector holds immense promise for the future and are optimistic that this event will pave the way for enhancing collaborations between India and Uganda,” Rawat added, “this shows a broader vision of interconnectedness and shared prosperity.”

He also commended the government in remarkable strides in the recent years and its ongoing efforts to strengthen private health care services, reflecting a comprehensive approach to improving the health of its population.

Morries Seru the Commissioner Pharmaceuticals and Natural Medicines at MOH encouraged foreign suppliers to take advantage of the gap and invest in Uganda.

“You are not only going to serve the 47 million people in Uganda but also tap the regional market. East Africa's market comprises 312 million people who need such services,” Seru remarked.

Dr Ezra Rubanda, the executive director of the Uganda Manufacturers Association, said the Government has improvised the economy and allowed the private sector into the sensitive area.

“It is not in every economy that private players are into the Health sector,” Rubanda asserted.

Rubanda said they are working out a framework of how they can continue to work with the government, especially in investing in sensitive areas.

He also implored the government to support the private sector as they invest in such areas so as to minimize the risks involved.