KAMPALA — President Yoweri Museveni has unveiled Uganda’s latest breakthroughs in biotechnology, calling on citizens and investors to support locally developed medicines for cancer, diabetes, and malaria as part of his vision for a knowledge-based economy.
Speaking at the launch of his 2026 election manifesto, Museveni highlighted the work of Dr. Matthias Magoola’s Dei BioPharma Ltd., a $350 million biotechnology hub in Kampala poised to become one of Africa’s largest pharmaceutical ventures.
“Once the government has funded the research, it is your duty to come in. Don’t waste money on whisky. Buy shares in these factories, so that we keep our innovations at home, create jobs, and build wealth,” Museveni said.
Dei BioPharma: Uganda’s $350 Million Pharma Powerhouse
Dei BioPharma is equipped to manufacture antimalarials, oncology drugs, vaccines, and other essential medicines, targeting both local consumption and regional exports.
Currently, Uganda imports nearly 90% of its drugs, while Africa spends over $14 billion annually on pharmaceutical imports. Scaling up local production could reduce costs, prevent shortages, and open new trade opportunities across East Africa and beyond.
Dr. Magoola said the company is pursuing partnerships with regional governments, hospitals, and distributors to strengthen its export base.
“Our focus will be oncology drugs, insulin alternatives, and antimalarials — areas where Africa bears some of its heaviest disease burdens,” he said.
Science, Innovation, and Economic Growth
Museveni framed the biotech push as essential for national resilience and regional leadership, emphasizing that Uganda can not only treat its own population but also export lifesaving medicines.
“The knowledge economy is being driven by our children and grandchildren. With government support and private investment, Uganda will not only treat its own people but also export lifesaving medicines across Africa,” he said.
The president linked the initiative to his broader economic vision, projecting that ventures like Dei BioPharma could help Uganda reach a $500 billion economy in the coming years.
“This is the future of our economy—an economy based on science, innovation, and solutions to the problems of humanity,” Museveni said.
A Call to Invest
Museveni urged Ugandans to invest locally, arguing that private capital is crucial to commercialize government-funded research.
By encouraging citizens to buy shares in local biotech ventures, the government hopes to:
- Create jobs for skilled Ugandans
- Retain innovations locally instead of relying on imports
- Position Uganda as a pharmaceutical hub in Africa
Experts say such initiatives could dramatically reduce Uganda’s reliance on imported drugs, strengthen public health, and boost economic growth through science-driven industries.
✨ Bottom Line: Museveni’s push for biotech investment signals a bold vision for Uganda’s economy, blending science, innovation, and national pride. If successful, Dei BioPharma could not only save lives but also transform Uganda into a regional pharmaceutical powerhouse.
