KAMPALA
Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has reignited debate over the government’s controversial allocation of Shs 723 billion to Dei BioPharma Ltd., a private pharmaceutical company based in Matugga, Wakiso District.
Ssenyonyi’s concerns follow an oversight visit to the company’s 150-acre facility, where he was accompanied by 15 opposition MPs. The visit aimed to assess the utilization of the massive funding and evaluate the company’s progress in manufacturing vaccines and drugs.
Dei BioPharma, Uganda’s first research-based biotechnology and pharmaceuticals firm, has received significant government funding to support its efforts in producing essential drugs and vaccines, including a promised COVID-19 vaccine. However, the company’s slow progress has raised eyebrows among opposition lawmakers.
“The government’s decision to allocate such a massive amount without proper valuation and agreement raises questions about transparency and accountability,” Ssenyonyi stated. “Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being utilized.”
Despite initial resistance from the opposition, the supplementary budget was approved, releasing the funds to Dei BioPharma. The company has since been valued, and an agreement with the government has been signed, according to management. However, the opposition team was not provided with the relevant documents.
Ssenyonyi emphasized the need for clear policies guiding government bailouts for private companies. “It’s unfair for some companies to receive handouts while others struggle to survive. We must ensure value for taxpayers’ money.”
Dei BioPharma’s management, led by Chairman Dr. Patrick Wakida and Managing Director Dr. Matthias Magoola, showcased the company’s state-of-the-art facilities, including a biotech facility, injectable facility, and warehousing facility, which meet international standards.
The opposition leader’s concerns highlight the ongoing debate over government funding for private enterprises and the need for transparency and accountability.
