By submitting this form, you are agreeing to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
These companies currently manufacture 173 pharmaceutical products in Uganda.
Uganda is highly specialized in pharmaceuticals; the chemical sector (which includes pharmaceuticals) accounts for over 10% of Uganda’s manufacturing value added – the highest in the region.
Uganda’s medical facilities are attracting U.S. investors, especially in private medical care and oncology. Health received 6% of the 2023/24 national budget, but donor funding comprises nearly 80% of resources.
The government is considering public-private-partnerships for healthcare investment, where the government contributes land, and private investors build and operate a facility.
Uganda still imports approximately 80% of its essential medicines and health supplies. Based on Uganda’s strong demand for medical services and the government’s favorable tax policies for manufacturing facilities, manufacturing generic pharmaceuticals remains a profitable opportunity for investors.
Large and increasing burden of disease suggests a significant unmet demand for pharmaceuticals. Protection of local pharmaceutical manufacturers from foreign competition is expected to increase.
Uganda will remain a small, underfunded, and generic-dominated pharmaceutical industry. A combination of low per capita spending in a youth-dominated, highly ruralised population, will limit opportunities for innovative drugmakers looking to launch patented medicines in Uganda.
Opportunities for foreign firms will be largely indirect, with potential licensing agreements with local players that are able to advance their manufacturing capabilities over the coming years.
Uganda’s health system has both private and government funded facilities. The government regulates operations of all healthcare facilities. Private companies invest in hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.
There is no national health insurance coverage, however there is private health insurance provided by insurance companies. Health insurance coverage is low, estimated to be under 0.5% of GDP.
The Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), a government research institute, is a World Health Organization (WHO) certified yellow fever regional reference lab – the only certified yellow fever reference laboratory in Eastern Africa.
Equipment in demand includes record management equipment and systems, ultrasound, electrocardiographs, obstetric dopplers, pulse oximeters, ventilators, cardiac echo machines, treadmill stress machines, and lab equipment (including equipment needed for microbiology, hematology, chemistry, and histopathology).
Due to low purchasing power, generic drugs comprise the majority of Uganda’s pharmaceutical market. Patented drugs comprise a small market share of medicines, as low per-capita drug expenditure continues to limit the capacity of most of the population to purchase higher-priced patented drugs.
Self-medication is prevalent in Uganda, making the over-the-counter (OTC) drug market an attractive prospect. Many Ugandans lack access to health facilities owing to financial reasons, or because of sparse healthcare infrastructure in rural areas.
The division between prescription and OTC drugs is blurred by the prevalence of roadside kiosks selling malaria drugs and antibiotics, highlighted by a rapid growth in the number of pharmacies in both rural and urban areas.
The Uganda Pharmaceutical Market accounted for $XX Billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach $XX Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of XX% from 2024 to 2030.
CiplaQCIL Launches Locally-Manufactured Diabetes Medication:
Cipla Quality Chemical Industries Limited (CiplaQCIL), a Ugandan pharmaceutical manufacturer, announced the production of Flozicard XR (empagliflozin/metformin hydrochloride), an oral combination drug for type 2 diabetes. This is a significant development for the Ugandan market, as it increases access to affordable and effective diabetes treatment.
Growing Demand for Mental Health Medication:
The Ugandan Ministry of Health has reported a significant increase in demand for mental health medications in recent years. This is due to several factors, including increased awareness of mental health issues, improved access to healthcare, and a growing population. This trend presents an opportunity for pharmaceutical companies to expand their offerings in this area.
Government Invests in Pharmaceutical Research:
The Ugandan government has announced a new initiative to invest in pharmaceutical research and development. This initiative aims to support the development of new drugs and vaccines for diseases prevalent in Uganda and Africa. This investment will be crucial for long-term sustainability and innovation within the Ugandan pharmaceutical industry.
Pharmaceutical Industry Association Launches Training Program:
The Uganda Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (UPMA) has launched a new training program for pharmaceutical professionals. This program aims to improve the skills and knowledge of pharmaceutical workers in Uganda.
Flozicard XR by CiplaQCIL: An oral combination drug for type 2 diabetes, containing empagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride. This locally-manufactured medication offers affordable and effective treatment for a growing population with diabetes.
Malarone Duo by CiplaQCIL: A combination therapy for the treatment and prevention of malaria, containing atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride. This new product expands CiplaQCIL’s portfolio and addresses a prevalent health concern in Uganda.
Darunavir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (DTG) by Cipla: A fixed-dose combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV/AIDS treatment. This convenient and affordable medication simplifies treatment regimens and improves medication adherence.
Artemether/Lumefantrine (AL) by CiplaQCIL: A fixed-dose combination antimalarial medication for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. This new offering strengthens CiplaQCIL’s presence in the anti-malarial drug segment.
