Uganda to start producing tuberculosis drugs

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Uganda ranks among the world's 30 high-burden countries for TB/HIV co-infection, recording approximately 91,000 new TB cases annually, and a TB prevalence of 198 cases per 100,000 people, but new lines of treatment for the disease are not manufactured locally.

Therefore, in a bid to improve access to effective tuberculosis treatment, Quality Chemical Industries Limited (Qcil) is set to construct a second pharmaceutical factory that will locally produce new lines of tuberculosis treatments.

The development follows the securing of a $36 million (about shillings 128 billion) commercial loan from a bank. Qcil chief executive officer (CEO) Ajay Kumar Pal revealed that this strategic investment will not only increase their annual capacity to 2.4 billion tablets but also introduce new lines for tuberculosis treatments, injectables and other innovative products.

“For both first-line treatment of TB and multidrug resistance, there is currently no local manufacturing in Africa. Therefore, part of the factory will be dedicated to producing TB products. We are also investing in long-lasting injectables. We are setting up a platform to manufacture long-lasting injectables in future,” Kumar Pal said.

Beyond TB treatment, Kumar Pal disclosed plans to expand the company's HIV and malaria portfolio, both current and new, to address the market gap.

“Currently, only about 20% of our needs are met through local production. We aim to increase this to 78-90%. We are also setting up a research and development facility to conduct research for new treatments in Uganda,” Kumar Pal added.

He made the remarks during the annual general meeting (AGM) in Kampala.

According to Qcil board of directors chairperson Emmanuel Katongole, this strategic expansion will significantly boost their production capacity, but also enable broader regional export capabilities, and play a critical role in creating more local jobs and driving inclusive economic development.

“This expansion will enable us to do more for our patients, our people and our economy,” Katongole said.

Company performance

Addressing shareholders on July 17, 2025, Katongole highlighted a stable revenue of shillings 267.1 billion and an 18% increase in gross profit to a record 108.5 billion. Adding that, the net profit surged by 22% to a record 40.7 billion, reflecting improved operational efficiency and disciplined financial management.

In recognition of this outstanding performance, the board recommended and shareholders approved a total dividend of shillings 13.5 per share for the financial year 2024/25, more than double last year’s total payout of sh5.7 per share.

Annually, the company manufactures 1.4 billion tablets at its Luzira factory, primarily World Health Organisation (WHO)-prequalified antiretroviral (ARVs) and antimalarials, ensuring reliable and affordable access to lifesaving medicines for millions.

Experts speak out

Health ministry communicable disease prevention and control commissioner Dr Stavia Turyahabwe said producing the drugs locally is in line with the President’s message on expanding the country’s capacity in terms of manufacturing.

“If Uganda can produce its own TB treatment, it would be a commendable step, potentially reducing treatment costs. It will definitely not cost us the same way as we are buying it from other countries. Our goal is to ensure all patients in the country have access to treatment. Currently, we cover about half of the treatment costs, while the Global Fund covers the rest,” Turyahabwe said.

Dr Paddy Busulwa, a public health specialist, described this as a great opportunity, noting that Uganda's reliance on imported TB medicines will soon be a thing of the past. With local production, the country will have greater control over its medicine supply, making treatment more accessible and affordable.

 Busulwa stated that “local production will also enable Uganda to oversee its own quality control, ensuring that TB medicines meet the required standards.”