The President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, on Friday, commissioned the Dei Biopharma manufacturing facility in Matugga, near Kampala.
The pharmaceutical plant will produce high-quality yet affordable medicines across a range of therapeutic medications, including cancer and malaria treatment, making a difference to millions of families across Africa.
He lauded Dei Group Managing Director, Dr. Mathias Magoola, his family, and those working with him for establishing the project, adding that such investments will help Uganda become a modern economy catalyzed by growth and development.
Dei BioPharma Uganda Ltd is a medical and food (nutraceuticals & pharmaceutical) research company incorporated in Uganda in January 2014, producing medicines, food supplements, and cosmetics.
“We are entering a totally new phase in Uganda, broadening and deepening our economy, and one way is through people with resilience like Magoola,” said President Museveni.
The facility is also the only African pharmaceutical company currently manufacturing COVID-19 therapeutic medications and is gearing up to produce one billion doses of mRNA vaccines, guided by World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
The development of the facility has been financed through partner funding from Equity Group. The bank provided up to US$100 million for construction, importation of Hi-Tech Medical Equipment, and working capital support, while Uganda Development Bank contributed US$20 million.
“I congratulate and thank Equity Bank for supporting Magoola,” said the President.
In a speech at the commissioning of the multimillion-dollar facility, Dr. Magoola stated that the factory, a landmark of Uganda’s scientific innovation, will produce biologic solutions listed as essential drugs, including:
- Filgrastim
- Erythropoietin
- Trastuzumab
These will be the first biosimilars produced in Africa.
He also revealed that Dei BioPharma has secured more than 3,000 formulations, giving it a wide array of potential drugs for production, including vaccines, anti-cancer drugs, therapeutic proteins, peptides, and cell therapy.
Equity Group’s Commitment
Equity Group Holdings Chairman, Prof. Isaac Macharia, praised the Government of Uganda for supporting such a large-scale project that will have continental benefits.
“As Equity, we are aligned and want to contribute at the frontline—impactful, large-scale projects that hold great promise for the future of Africa, as the world begins its journey of building back better by cushioning against major world shocks, such as the collapse of global supply chains brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
He further emphasized the need for African self-sufficiency in pharmaceuticals, stating:
“It is gratifying to note that infectious diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa, and Dei Biopharma is a pacesetter in how Uganda is taking the lead in a solutions-first approach.
Dei Biopharma is an inspiring example of how Africa can create its own regional manufacturing, supply chains, and promote regional trade, reducing over-reliance on global supply chains.”
Call for Regulatory Reforms
Uganda’s National Drug Authority (NDA) Chairman, Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo, called for amendments to the authority’s laws to expedite medicine certification for the world market.
“We are advocating for BUBU (Buy Uganda, Build Uganda), and we have worked closely with Magoola, providing technical support to ensure this factory produces drugs that meet world standards,” he said.
In March 2022, a team of experts from WHO commended Dei Biopharma for establishing the manufacturing facility, stating that it provides a strong foundation for Africa to effectively respond to COVID-19 and other viruses using both traditional and modern medicinal therapies.
