KAMPALA, Uganda – Uganda's ambitions to strengthen local healthcare manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported medical supplies have received renewed attention following a visit by a delegation from the East African Development Bank (EADB) to Microhaem Scientifics Ltd.

The delegation, led by EADB Country Manager Francis Ogwang and accompanied by Investment Officer Kitaka Joseph, visited the Ugandan diagnostics manufacturer to assess its production capabilities, ongoing investments and contribution to strengthening Africa's healthcare self-reliance.

During the visit, the delegation toured Microhaem Scientifics' manufacturing facilities at its Ntinda headquarters and inspected its ongoing expansion project in Namanve.

The company's Group Managing Director, Dr Cedric Akwesigye, together with members of the senior management team, briefed the visitors on the company's development, manufacturing operations and long-term vision of delivering locally produced healthcare solutions.

Microhaem Scientifics manufactures diagnostic test kits used in the detection of HIV, malaria and sickle cell disease, three important areas of public health in Uganda and across the African continent.

The company says its locally manufactured diagnostic products are intended to bring quality testing closer to communities, support timely diagnosis and strengthen healthcare delivery.

Beyond manufacturing, Microhaem Scientifics also provides practical demonstrations and technical support to healthcare workers to promote the effective use of its diagnostic products in health facilities.

Namanve expansion signals growing industrial ambition

A major highlight of the EADB delegation's visit was the inspection of Microhaem Scientifics' ongoing expansion project in Namanve, which reflects the company's ambition to increase local production capacity.

The investment forms part of broader efforts to develop Uganda's scientific and industrial capabilities while establishing dependable domestic alternatives to imported healthcare products.

According to the company, expanding local manufacturing will contribute to job creation, skills development and the growth of technical expertise in Uganda's healthcare industry.

The expansion also underscores the importance of building domestic capacity to manufacture essential medical and diagnostic products, particularly as African countries seek to strengthen the resilience of their healthcare supply chains.

Advancing Africa's health sovereignty

The visit comes amid growing calls for African countries to reduce their dependence on external suppliers of essential medicines, vaccines, medical equipment and diagnostic technologies.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant vulnerabilities in Africa's healthcare supply chains, highlighting the consequences of relying heavily on international markets for critical medical supplies during global emergencies.

Uganda's investment in local diagnostic manufacturing therefore represents an important component of the wider conversation about health sovereignty, industrialisation and the continent's ability to respond to public health challenges.

For development finance institutions such as EADB, supporting viable local industries can help strengthen regional economic integration, expand productive capacity and create opportunities for sustainable investment.

While the company did not disclose specific financing commitments arising from the visit, the engagement provided the bank's delegation with an opportunity to understand Microhaem Scientifics' operations and future expansion ambitions.

Microhaem Scientifics said the visit reaffirmed its commitment to developing locally manufactured healthcare solutions, creating meaningful employment opportunities and contributing to a more self-reliant African healthcare industry.

As Uganda continues to pursue industrialisation and value addition, investments in scientific manufacturing could become increasingly important in positioning the country as a regional producer of essential healthcare products.

Manufactured in Uganda. Serving Africa. Building healthcare sovereignty.

Source: Microhaem Scientifics Ltd.