Following the liberalization policy by government in the 1990’s, Rene industries, a pharmaceutical plant was founded in 1996 and currently is one of the leading in the industry producing about 90 various pharmaceutical products on the market.
Their products range encompasses various therapeutic categories which include; Anti-allergic, Anti-amoebic, Antibacterial,Antibacterial, Anti-fungal, Antithetical, Antimalarial, Antiviral, Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Oral re hydration, Pain & inflammations, Respiratory, Central nervous system, Gastrointestinal, Haematinics among others.
One of their attendants revealed to us how their high quality and affordable medicine made them get awarded with UIA award hence setting the notch higher in the industry. Important to note is that this company is in conformity with National Drug Authority’s guideline who acts as their regulator.
When you visit their stall at the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) exhibition at Kololo by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, you easily testify that Uganda pharmaceutical sector is growing in leaps and bounds.
It should be remembered that by before liberalization took shape,most of the drugs in Uganda were being imported hence affecting the balance of trade.
At the exhibition,their stall attracts many viewers given their organized display and hospitable team headed by Phionah which welcomes well their guests and orient them about the company.
The local pharmaceutical industry contributes about 0.18 percent of GDP, employs about 1,216 people.It should be noted that Medical and pharmaceutical products are one of the leading products that we mostly import in Uganda.
According to health sector statistics,Uganda’s imports of pharmaceuticals products increased from USD 255m in 2012 to USD 373m in 2014 despite the high increase in exports from USD 9.15m to USD 12.3m respectively.The other pharmaceutical players in the country include:Quality Chemicals, Abacus parental drugs Ltd, Mavid pharmaceuticals Ltd,among others
This means that Rene industries and other pharmaceutical players need to work together increase the quality and quantity of their products portfolio in order to reduce imports and increase exports hence create more jobs for youths.
Thanks to the Ministry of Trade Industry and Cooperatives which is committed to make sure that we save Ugx 4.856 trillions of imports according to the BUBU policy, through producing and consuming of goods which locally made that we would be importing, hence developing the industry sector in the country.
The Management of Rene Industries recently revealed that they are already undertaking a feasibility study to establish an anti-cancer drug manufacturing facility which is estimated to cost between $8M-$10M and is expected to start operating in the next 5 years. Currently, Rene Industries, manufactures 110 pharmaceutical products sold locally and exported in the region. I pledge to support the industry to access a wider market in the #COMESA.
