Anite Calls on NMS to Prioritize Ugandan-Made Medicines

Genevieve Nambalirwa, Africa One News |Health

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 3:15:00 PM UTC

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Minister Evelyn Anite pledges government support, including free land and incentives, to help Ugandan-based Mavid Pharmaceuticals expand and create jobs.

Minister of State for Investment and Privatization Evelyn Anite has urged the National Medical Stores (NMS) to prioritize locally manufactured pharmaceuticals, stressing that homegrown solutions are vital to Uganda’s industrial growth and the success of the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) policy.

Her remarks came during a visit to MAVID Pharmaceuticals, a Ugandan-owned company steadily expanding its capacity to produce high-quality medical products. Anite commended the innovation and determination of local entrepreneurs in the health sector, pointing out that their efforts are proof Uganda has the capacity to reduce dependence on imports.

“NMS needs to start supporting local industries, like these people. Let’s close that gap of importing medicine,” Anite said, emphasizing that a stronger domestic pharmaceutical industry would boost the economy, cut foreign exchange losses, and create jobs.

Although Uganda’s pharmaceutical sector has grown in recent years, imports still dominate the market. Pioneering companies such as Quality Chemicals Industries Limited (QCIL) and MAVID Pharmaceuticals are laying the groundwork for increased self-sufficiency, but experts caution that progress depends on overcoming challenges such as high production costs, regulatory hurdles, limited access to land, and the need to expand manufacturing capacity, especially to reach rural communities.

Anite underscored the importance of government institutions, particularly NMS, in creating a reliable market for local manufacturers. She also highlighted the role of incentives such as favorable tax policies, land access, and streamlined regulatory support in accelerating the growth of indigenous pharmaceutical companies.

Her visit to MAVID forms part of a broader government effort to spotlight and strengthen homegrown industries capable of replacing imports and driving sustainable economic development.

Anite’s message is clear: Uganda’s economic independence and industrial transformation begin with prioritizing local solutions, starting with the medicines that keep its citizens healthy.

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