The government has commended the progress made at the Dei Pharmaceuticals manufacturing facility in Wakiso District, describing it as a strategic investment that will strengthen Uganda's healthcare system, reduce dependence on imported medicines, and position the country as a regional pharmaceutical manufacturing hub.

A high-level government delegation led by the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Ramathan Ggoobi, has inspected the ongoing construction of the Dei Pharmaceuticals manufacturing facility in Kigowa, Matugga, Wakiso District.

The delegation, which included officials from the Ministry of Health, the National Drug Authority, and the National Medical Stores, assessed the progress of the multi-billion-dollar project and its contribution to Uganda's ambition of becoming a regional pharmaceutical manufacturing hub.

Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Ramathan Ggoobi said the government has invested nearly seven billion shillings in the project, describing the support as a strategic investment in Uganda's industrialization agenda and healthcare sector.

Ggoobi said the factory is expected to manufacture innovative medicines, including anti-cancer and anti-diabetes drugs, as well as quality generic medicines that will reduce Uganda's dependence on imported pharmaceuticals and strengthen access to affordable medicines.

He added that the government expects increased production, exports, and job creation as returns on its investment.

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwiine, reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting local pharmaceutical manufacturing.

She said the ministry will continue prioritizing procurement of locally manufactured medicines that meet the required quality standards and commended the National Drug Authority for ensuring Dei Pharmaceuticals complies with international manufacturing requirements.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dei Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Mathias Magoola, said the project requires a total investment of 1.1 billion US dollars, of which about 700 million dollars has already been invested.

He expressed confidence that the facility will be completed by the end of next year once the remaining funding is secured.

Dr. Magoola also appealed to the government to improve electricity and water infrastructure to support large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing and enhance production capacity.

Once completed, the Dei Pharmaceuticals facility is expected to boost local production of essential medicines, reduce Uganda's import bill, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the country's position as a pharmaceutical manufacturing and export hub for the region.