Shareholders of Uganda’s Quality Chemicals have approved plans for a second pharmaceutical manufacturing facility—nearly twice the size of its existing plant—to boost production of essential medicines and expand into new therapeutic areas.
The new site will be the first in Africa to manufacture multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatments such as pretomanid and bedaquiline, alongside widely used first-line TB drugs including rifampicin, isoniazid, and ethambutol.
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“We’re determined to produce these life-saving treatments in Uganda to improve access and reduce reliance on imports,” said business manager Ajay Pal.
Detailed engineering work for the project has already been completed, and commercial funding secured through a bank loan. Beyond TB, the facility will expand the company’s capacity to produce HIV and malaria medicines, responding to growing demand across the region.
Quality Chemicals currently supplies HIV treatments to 14 African countries, selling 17 million doses in 2024—6 million of them within Uganda. Most of these medicines are distributed through government and institutional health programmes rather than retail pharmacies.
The company is also moving into injectable therapies, including long-acting HIV prevention drugs such as lenacapavir and cabotegravir, aiming to reduce pill burdens and modernise treatment options. The plant will house a dedicated research and development centre for early-stage drug innovation and clinical trials.
In addition, Quality Chemicals plans to expand into medicines for sickle cell disease, diabetes, hepatitis, and hypertension, and later this year will release a locally produced treatment for adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a rare paediatric condition seldom treated in Africa.
“We want to ensure our population can access the latest, most effective medicines—rather than outdated products,” Pal said.
Responding to the recent suspension of USAID funding in Uganda, Pal noted that the direct impact on the company was minimal, but warned that other institutions would need to step in to sustain public health programmes.
“Aid should ultimately become unnecessary,” he said. “We need structural changes that create long-term self-reliance and reduce dependence on donors.”
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