KAMPALA, UGANDA – The stage is being set for East Africa’s largest pharmaceutical, medical, and healthcare exhibition as the MedTech Uganda & Uganda Pharma Expo 2025 was officially launched today in a press conference held in partnership with the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA).

The premier exhibition, scheduled to run from July 1st to 3rd, 2025, at the UMA Show Grounds in Lugogo, is poised to be a landmark event for the region’s healthcare sector. More importantly, it represents a critical opportunity for local manufacturers to showcase their capabilities, forge strategic partnerships, and play a pivotal role in bridging healthcare gaps through domestic production.

The expo comes at a time when Uganda is intensifying its focus on health security and import substitution for essential medicines and health supplies. For the nation’s manufacturers, this event is a strategic platform to demonstrate their capacity and align with national development goals.

A Vital Showcase for a Growing Sector

The Uganda Pharma Expo will provide an essential marketplace for a diverse range of manufacturers:

• Pharmaceutical Producers: Local drug manufacturers will have a prime opportunity to exhibit their product lines—from essential medicines to specialized treatments—to a targeted audience of healthcare professionals, hospital administrators, distributors, and regulators from across East Africa. This is crucial for gaining market share and supporting the government’s agenda to reduce reliance on imported pharmaceuticals. Recent progress, such as Dei Biopharma’s plans to produce newly approved HIV drugs and the launch of Piston Medical Ltd to produce intravenous fluids, highlights the growing capacity and ambition within the sector.
• Medical Consumables and Device Makers: The MedTech portion of the expo opens significant doors for manufacturers of medical consumables like gloves, syringes, and sanitizers, as well as those producing medical devices and hospital furniture. It allows them to connect directly with the end-users of their products and gain insights into the specific needs of the healthcare industry.
• The Broader Value Chain: The expo is also a key networking hub for manufacturers in ancillary industries. Producers of high-quality, specialized packaging, labels, and raw materials can connect directly with pharmaceutical companies who are their primary clients, fostering a stronger local supply chain.

Fostering Innovation and Regional Collaboration

A core objective of the expo is to be a catalyst for innovation and collaboration. For Ugandan manufacturers, this means:

• Access to New Technologies: The event will feature international exhibitors showcasing the latest in medical technology and pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment, providing local players with insights into upgrading their own facilities.
• Building Regional Partnerships: By attracting stakeholders from across East Africa, the expo facilitates cross-border trade and collaboration, positioning Ugandan manufacturers as potential suppliers for the entire region.
• Engaging with Regulators: The platform allows for constructive dialogue with bodies like the National Drug Authority (NDA), helping to streamline processes and ensure that local manufacturing meets the highest international standards, a key step towards achieving WHO Maturity Level 3 for regulatory oversight.

The MedTech Uganda & Uganda Pharma Expo 2025 is more than a trade show; it’s a strategic initiative to build a resilient and self-sufficient healthcare industry in Uganda and the wider region. UMA’s partnership underscores the commitment to supporting local manufacturers as they step up to meet the nation’s health needs. All manufacturers within the healthcare value chain are encouraged to participate and leverage this unique platform to drive their businesses forward.