A high-level military delegation from nine African countries has praised Dei BioPharma Ltd in Matugga as a model for Africa’s pharmaceutical independence after touring the state-of-the-art drug and vaccine manufacturing facility.
The 36-member delegation, led by Brig. Gen. Moussa Yoro Kante of the Mali Defence Forces, visited the facility as part of a Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) strategic study tour aimed at strengthening military cooperation between Uganda and Mali.
Gen. Kante commended Dei BioPharma founder Dr. Matthias Magoola for advancing biotechnology in Africa, describing the facility as inspiring and expressing hope that participating officers would replicate the experience in their respective countries.
Dr. Magoola said the visit highlighted Africa’s growing confidence in local pharmaceutical manufacturing, noting that the continent still imports about 85 percent of its medicines due to limited technology. He reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to sharing expertise and supporting African nations in achieving drug and vaccine self-sufficiency.
Chief Executive Officer Dr. Chetna Jain said the visit demonstrated Dei BioPharma’s growing recognition as a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer on the continent.
Established in 2014, Dei BioPharma operates one of Africa’s largest drug and vaccine manufacturing campuses and is preparing to produce **one billion mRNA vaccine doses, while creating thousands of skilled jobs and reducing dependence on imported medicines.
