The government has officially launched Uganda’s first locally manufactured magnesium sulphate injection, a life-saving medicine used to prevent and treat eclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication caused by severe high blood pressure that is one of the leading causes of maternal deaths.
The injection is being produced by Piston Medical Limited at its manufacturing plant in Namanve Industrial Park.
The launch was officiated by the Second Deputy Prime Minister Dr Crispus Kiyonga, who hailed the investment as a major step towards strengthening Uganda’s pharmaceutical industry and improving access to affordable medicines.
Kiyonga also called for stricter regulation of pharmacies, saying many drug outlets continue to dispense medicines without qualified personnel and proper medical assessment of patients.
“This is something the Ministry of Health must take keen interest in and address. As medical professionals, it is our responsibility to restore our integrity and professionalism and ensure that only qualified medical personnel are allowed to work in pharmacies,” Dr Kiyonga said.
He expressed concern over what he described as unnecessary prescriptions issued by some pharmacy attendants who are not adequately trained.
Kiyonga also commended local investors for venturing into pharmaceutical manufacturing, saying government remains committed to supporting industries that produce essential medicines.
“As government, we are determined to support local investors and encourage more investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing. We also want manufacturers to have dedicated space within Namanve Industrial Park to expand production,” he said.
The minister of Health Dr Chris Baryomunsi described the local production of magnesium sulphate injection as a major breakthrough in the country’s efforts to reduce maternal mortality.
He said Uganda spends enormous amounts of money importing medicines and medical equipment, making local production critical for reducing costs and improving access to treatment.
“This is a great milestone for our country because government spends about Shs1 trillion annually on imported medicines and medical equipment. Since this product is manufactured locally, we expect it to become more affordable and more accessible to Ugandans,” Dr Baryomunsi said.
The chief executive officer of Piston Medical Limited, Benjamin Kiiza, said the company invested in manufacturing magnesium sulphate and other maternal health medicines after identifying a growing demand in Uganda and across the East African region.
He said the company is now working towards expanding exports once its products receive regulatory approval in other East African Community partner states.
“We identified a need for these medicines and decided to invest in local manufacturing. Our goal is to supply Uganda and eventually serve the wider East African market once certification is completed,” Kiiza said.
However, he appealed to government to address infrastructure challenges affecting manufacturers operating in Namanve Industrial Park.
He cited poor road infrastructure, frequent power shortages and limited market access as some of the major obstacles facing the company.
“Power interruptions affect production while many roads within the industrial park become impassable, making it difficult to transport raw materials and finished products on time. We also need government support to access regional markets, especially within East Africa,” Kiiza said.
Aminah Mukalazi, the minister of state for Privitization and Investment who also attended the launch, pledged government support in addressing the challenges affecting manufacturers in the industrial park.
She said improving infrastructure remains a government priority because industrialisation is central to Uganda’s economic transformation.
“We shall work to ensure that the challenges of poor roads and unreliable electricity are addressed. Industrialisation is one of government’s top priorities, and our role is to create an environment where industries can thrive,” Anite said.
