BY AGGREY TWESIGYE
IN MBARARA…
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended Kazire Pharmaceutical Company Limited for its groundbreaking role in advancing Uganda’s self-sufficiency in essential medicine production.
Speaking at the 44th Tarehe Sita celebrations last Thursday in Kyotera District, Museveni praised the Western Uganda-based firm for developing Vidicine, a natural therapeutic that treats COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.
Led by Dr. Edward Kazire, the company has achieved a global milestone by securing approval for Vidicine, making Uganda a key player in the natural medicine industry. The president acknowledged the company’s innovative contributions, emphasizing their significance in strengthening Uganda’s medical sector.
Dr. Edward Kazire, Managing Director of Kazire Pharmaceutical Company Limited, lauded the government’s recognition of scientists in the field of natural medicine research. Addressing the press in Mbarara City over the weekend, Kazire highlighted this support as a transformative step for Uganda and Africa’s medical advancement.
“When the government acknowledges scientists in natural medicine research, it marks a fundamental change in the growth and development of medicine in Uganda and across the continent,” Kazire stated.
He expressed gratitude to President Museveni for allowing scientists to explore solutions during the 2019 COVID-19 outbreak. This support, he said, enabled researchers to develop a natural therapeutic that has since been approved by the National Drug Authority (NDA) for its efficacy and safety.
Kazire emphasized that Uganda is well-positioned to lead in natural medicine development, given its rich biodiversity.
“Globally, there is a rising demand for natural therapeutics. Uganda, being the second country in the world with the most natural plants, cannot be left behind,” he explained.
The company has collaborated with Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in conducting preclinical studies, which led to the successful development of Vidicine. Kazire noted that, unlike global manufacturers who have focused solely on vaccines, his company alongside Busitema University has pioneered a natural therapeutic alternative
Kazire Pharmaceuticals currently produces 200,000 bottles of Vidicine daily and has established a 1,000-acre nucleus farm in Masindi district to cultivate medicinal plants year-round using a UGX 6 billion irrigation system. Additionally, the company is partnering with 310,000 farmers across Uganda to supply raw materials.
“Every village will have farmers growing essential plant materials, with collection centers at the sub-county level equipped with driers and cold storage facilities,” Kazire explained.
This initiative is expected to generate 37,000 jobs, along with 3,700 technical positions at the company’s industrial park in Nyakisharara, Mbarara city.
Kazire Pharmaceuticals is also expanding its operations, awaiting NDA approval for large-scale production.
The company has already secured export deals in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Burundi, and is in advanced negotiations with South Sudan’s Ministry of Health.
“We are in discussions to ensure that once we begin mass production, the ministry of health will stock Vidicine in all health centers across the country,” Kazire confirmed.
