Uganda is rapidly emerging as a significant regional player in pharmaceutical manufacturing, charting a course to promote healthcare access and capability across East Africa.
This was the key message delivered by Hitesh Upreti, Chief Executive Officer of Dei BioPharma, at the 2nd Edition of the Uganda Investor Summit 2025, held last week.
Uprati shared critical insights into Uganda’s progress in building foundational support for a domestic pharmaceutical industry.
While acknowledging that global industry leadership remains with established markets in Asia and Europe, he underscored the urgent need to develop regional production capacities, particularly in underserved areas like East Africa.
Conducive Economic and Business Climate
Uganda’s ascent in pharma manufacturing is underpinned by a favourable and progressively stable economic outlook, according to Uprati, which avails the country with growth opportunities. These include:
Strong GDP Growth: The nation achieved a robust 6.3% GDP growth in 2024, with an even more ambitious 7.5% projected for 2025.
Rising Income: Uganda’s per capita income is expected to cross the Public Private Partnership (PPP) US$3,900.
These figures, Uprati noted, collectively signal growing economic stability and a thriving domestic market, creating fertile ground for industrial expansion. Furthermore, significant strides are being made in improving the business infrastructure:
Streamlined Registration: He pointed out that company registration can now be completed in under 4 hours through the efficient Uganda Business Facilitation Centre, making business operations easier than before.
Enhanced Coordination: He stated that improved coordination between key agencies like the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), and Capital Markets Authority (CMA) is steadily enhancing the ease of doing business. He observed that while challenges persist, these administrative advancements mark crucial progress.
Targeted Sectoral Support and Regional Relevance
Upreti noted that the government’s commitment to fostering local manufacturing, import substitution, and industrial development is clearly evident.
This strategic focus, he said, is backed by tangible incentives, including tax support, streamlined land allocation, and clear policy directives specifically tailored for select sectors, with pharmaceuticals being a key beneficiary.
“Given its central geographical location within East Africa and the substantial demand in neighbouring markets, Uganda is uniquely positioned to support a range of pharmaceutical and related manufacturing activities,” he stated. He identified some of the key activities that the government can undertake, which include;
Producing various drug forms including nutraceutical and diagnostics production to meet growing health and wellness needs.
Medical device assembly to reduce reliance on imported medical equipment.
Small-scale Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) initiatives as a long-term ambition to establish fundamental raw material production.
Building Local Healthcare Strength
Upreti also observed that at the forefront of this national ambition is Dei BioPharma.
“At Dei BioPharma, we continue to invest in infrastructure aligned with national priorities,” Uprati affirmed, adding, “Our approach is long-term and focused on improving access, capability, and quality within the region.”
Upreti clarified Uganda’s vision, saying, “Uganda is not positioning itself as a global leader, but as a country taking measurable steps toward building local healthcare manufacturing strength.”
This pragmatic yet ambitious approach, he noted, promises to transform Uganda into a vital hub for pharmaceutical production, significantly contributing to the health, security and economic prosperity of East Africa.