Two Ugandans among 100 most influential Africans
Based in Mattuga, Wakiso district, Magoola is overseeing the development of a multi-billion-dollar pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing facility. His work focuses on expanding access to affordable treatment, reducing dependence on imported medicines and vaccines, and building the capacity of African scientists and researchers.
Magoola (Pictured), the founder and managing director of Dei BioPharma Ltd, was recognised for his leadership in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, particularly his efforts to advance drug and vaccine manufacturing in Africa.
Ugandan businessman Dr James Kanyije and scientist Dr Matthias Magoola have been named among Africa’s 100 Most Influential People for 2026, New Vision has learnt.
The duo, reports indicate, has earned continental recognition for their contributions to healthcare innovation, entrepreneurship, business development and socio-economic transformation.
The pair were honoured during a ceremony held at M Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday, organised by the Accra-based Business Executive Media Group. The event brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and corporate executives from across Africa.
The recognition is reserved for individuals whose leadership, achievements and influence have contributed to shaping Africa’s economic, social, political and cultural development. Organisers said the award celebrates Africans whose work is helping drive progress in their respective countries and across the continent
Champion innovation
University of Rwanda vice-chancellor Prof. Didas Muganga Kayihura, who presided over the ceremony, urged African leaders and institutions to champion innovation capable of strengthening the continent’s economies and reducing dependence on external solutions.
Honoured for healthcare innovation
The organisers cited his role in promoting healthcare self-reliance and driving innovations aimed at improving access to medicines while strengthening scientific research on the continent.
Based in Mattuga, Wakiso district, Magoola is overseeing the development of a multi-billion-dollar pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing facility. His work focuses on expanding access to affordable treatment, reducing dependence on imported medicines and vaccines, and building the capacity of African scientists and researchers.
He has filed more than 100 patent applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office covering potential treatments and vaccines for diseases including cancer, HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and sickle cell anaemia.
Reacting to the award, Magoola described it as a recognition of the collective efforts of those who have supported his work.
“We are grateful for this recognition and for the support from everyone, especially His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni,” he said.
Kanyije, the chief executive officer of KK Foods Uganda, was recognised for his contribution to entrepreneurship, private-sector leadership and business development.
Honoured for entrepreneurship
Kanyije, the chief executive officer of KK Foods Uganda, was recognised for his contribution to entrepreneurship, private-sector leadership and business development.
Under his leadership, KK Foods has expanded its activities in food processing and manufacturing, contributing to value addition, enterprise growth and employment creation.
Kanyije, who is also a member of the Presidential CEO Forum Uganda, said the award underscored the responsibility of business leaders to invest in opportunities that advance Africa’s development.
“Africa’s future will be built by leaders who dare to innovate, invest and create opportunities for others,” he said, dedicating the award to ‘every entrepreneur who believes that business can be a force for positive change’.
How the winners are selected
According to Business Executive Media Group chairperson Dr Baroness Paulette Kporo, the Africa’s 100 Most Influential People initiative identifies individuals whose accomplishments, leadership and positions of authority have significantly influenced the continent’s socio-economic, political and cultural trajectory.
She said research consultants compile findings on potential candidates before a 12-member selection jury comprising experts in socio-economic, political, cultural and diplomatic affairs makes the final decisions
The jury assesses nominees based on their influence at national, regional and continental levels, as well as their contribution to Africa’s engagement with the wider world.
Significance for Uganda and Africa
The recognition of Magoola and Kanyije highlights Uganda’s growing contribution to two sectors considered critical to Africa’s future: Healthcare innovation and private-sector-led industrialisation.
Their selection comes at a time when African countries are seeking to strengthen local manufacturing, increase value addition, create jobs and develop home-grown solutions to health and economic challenges.