By Ambrose Gahene
HEALTH
The Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng has called on Ugandan pharmaceuticals and medical equipment manufacturers to increase the volume and quality of their healthcare products’ production because Uganda cannot rely on foreign imports of medicines and medical supplies amidst global healthcare challenges.
She said the policy of Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) should be promoted by all stakeholders in the Health Sector. According to Dr. Aceng, BUBU policy promotes the production and consumption of locally manufactured goods, reducing reliance on imports.
Dr. Aceng made the remarks during the launch of the 4th Edition of Uganda Pharma Healthcare 2025 International Expo at Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) showground in Kampala on Thursday.
Minister Aceng comments come barely a week when media reports were awash with the US decision to stop operations of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the world, Uganda inclusive. USAID has been a contributor towards Uganda’s Healthcare, Education and Agriculture Sectors among others.
“If we did not have Antiretroviral (ART) and Anti-Malaria drugs locally available, where would the Ugandan Health Sector be by now?” she asked.
She said as far as her office is concerned, the procurement of antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients is just what she termed as; “a call away”.
She in addition said the pharmaceutical industry is fastest growing in Uganda, and emphasized that the African Union (AU) Vision 2063 supports the local manufacturing agenda across the continent.
Mr. Upender Singh Rwawat, the Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, said the partnership with India’s Exhibitions and Trade Service Limited (ETSIPL) explains great significance in the collaboration between India and Uganda.
“We also recognize India and Uganda’s long time diplomatic cooperation and we are committed to continue having joint health initiatives between our two sister Nations”, he said.
The three days Uganda Pharma and Healthcare International Expo will focus on manufacturers, Suppliers of Pharmaceuticals, Health technologies, diagnostics, equipment and devices, Orthopedic, Health Service Institutions, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies among others.
According to organizers of the Expo, Uganda Pharma and Healthcare Expo provides a strategic gateway to East Africa’s pharmaceutical and healthcare business community.
“The Expo is intended to serve as an ideal platform for manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors from Uganda and beyond to explore opportunities in Uganda as a growing healthcare industry hub”, said Emmanuel Ainebyoona, the Ministry of Health Spokesperson during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre recently.
