Nabbanja lauds Uganda’s growing scientific capabilities

By Nelson Kiva

NAKASONGOLA - Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has celebrated Uganda’s expanding scientific capabilities.

“It is with immense pride and gratitude, that I stand before you today to preside over this historic groundbreaking ceremony for the Pathogen Economy Biosciences Park. This moment marks a bold and transformative step in Uganda’s journey toward industrialisation, self-reliance and scientific excellence,” Nabbanja says.

She made the remarks on February 27, 2025, as she officiated at the breaking of the ground for the construction of pathogen economy biosciences park at National Enterprises Corporation (NEC) in Nakasongola district.

According to Nabbanja, the facility is a key frontier for advancing ‘our’ nation’s scientific capabilities and a testament to Uganda’s unwavering commitment to harnessing the power of science, technology and innovation to drive economic growth, improve public health and secure a prosperous future for all Ugandans.

She indicated that the establishment of this park is a direct response to the urgent need for Uganda to reduce its reliance on imported pharmaceuticals, which currently account for 99% of our medical supplies, costing the nation $521m (about shillings 1.9 trillion) annually.

The dependency, according to Nabbanja, strains the economy and limits the ability to respond swiftly to public health challenges.

“The Pathogen Economy Biosciences Park is designed to address these challenges. It will serve as a one-stop centre for research, development and industrial manufacturing of biomedical products targeting human, animal and plant health. By focusing on vaccine production, diagnostics, natural therapeutics and other biotechnological innovations, this Park will position Uganda as a leader in the African biotech economy,” she said.

Among the direct benefits, Nabbanja said the park will create 90,000 jobs.

“Direct jobs will include over 10,000 scientists, engineers, technicians and administrative staff, while 80,000 indirect jobs shall be created in contract manufacturing, transport and logistics, marketing, and distribution, and support services including utilities and suppliers of inputs,” she said.

She added that in terms of human capital development, the park will provide training opportunities for 5,000 students and researchers annually, ensuring that the nation has the requisite human capital to drive the Pathogen Economy for generations to come.

“The Park will enhance access to affordable healthcare for all Ugandans. By producing vaccines, diagnostics, and medicines locally, we will reduce costs and ensure that life-saving products are readily available to our people. This is a critical step toward achieving universal health coverage and improving the quality of life for every Ugandan,” she said.

At full operation, she said the park is projected to reduce Uganda’s pharmaceutical imports by 20%, and contribute $5b annually to GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

The Premier said the biosciences park is a cornerstone of Uganda’s National Development Plan IV (NDPIV), which prioritises industrialisation, import substitution and the transformation of Uganda into a knowledge-based economy.

NDPIV emphasises the importance of science, technology, and innovation in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for all Ugandans.

“This park is a direct manifestation of that vision. It also aligns with Vision 2040, which envisions Uganda as a modern, prosperous, and competitive nation. Vision 2040 highlights the need to invest in science and technology to drive innovation and economic transformation,” he said.

She added: “The establishment of this park is also aligned with the NRM Manifesto, which emphasises the critical role of science and technology in achieving national development goals, and the development of capacity for self-reliance in pharmaceuticals and medical products”.

UPDF training facility relocated

Lt. Gen.James Mugira, the executive director of NEC disclosed that the over one square mile piece of land where the park is being established, was donated by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and that was being used by the UPDF First Division for training.

“I take this opportunity to sincerely thank the ministry of defence and UPDF leadership for agreeing to relocate the training facility which was here to another area for this park,” he said.

The minister of science and technology, Dr. Monica Musenero said that President Yoweri Museveni on March 20, 2020 issued a directive to start looking for scientists to work with on the development of vaccines in the wake of COVID-19 and that from there the issue of the park was born.

Key components of the Biosciences Park

The Park is expected to house state-of-the-art facilities, including GMP-compliant pilot production lines for vaccines, diagnostics and natural therapeutics.

A Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer centre for advanced molecular research. A clinical and translational research centre to support product development.

A biorepository and biobank for genetic and biological sample storage.

A business incubator and conference center to foster innovation and collaboration.
These facilities will enable Uganda to produce human vaccines, PCR and rapid diagnostic tests, and medicines derived from our rich flora and fauna. 

It is a critical component in our nation’s progress towards building end-to-end capacity for the development of these critical healthcare inputs.