Microhaem Scientifics Limited hosted a delegation from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, led by Mr. Ashaba Hannington, Director Budget, for an engagement focused on Uganda’s growing capacity to manufacture critical healthcare products locally.
The delegation, which included Ian Mugizi, an Economist, began its visit at the MHS headquarters in Ntinda, where the company’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Cedric Akwesigye, together with the executive leadership team, shared the MHS journey, its growing product portfolio and its ambition for healthcare manufacturing in Uganda and across Africa.
Since 2012, as an importer of medical supplies, MHS has progressively grown to develop its local manufacturing capabilities and currently produces three rapid diagnostic tests for Malaria, HIV, and Sickle Cell. The company’s long-term ambition is to research, develop and manufacture its own raw materials and expand its product portfolio to 23 products by 2030. With a workforce of more than 500 employees, MHS continues to invest in the people, technology and production capabilities required to meet the growing demand for quality diagnostic solutions.
The delegation then toured the Phase II facility, where the next stage of MHS’s manufacturing expansion is taking shape. Following the successful commissioning of Phase I on 28 November 2023, MHS embarked on its Phase II execution plan to increase manufacturing space and expand its product portfolio.
The visit continued at the company’s 20-acre manufacturing facility in Namanve, allowing the delegation to see the scale of MHS’s operations and the infrastructure being developed to support its future growth. The tour offered a practical perspective on how investment in local manufacturing can contribute to increased production capacity, skilled employment and stronger domestic capabilities within Uganda’s healthcare sector.
For MHS, this growth forms part of a broader ambition to build a globally credible African IVD manufacturing company capable of developing and producing high-quality diagnostic solutions for the continent and beyond. By 2027, the company aims to position itself among Africa’s leading IVD manufacturers.
The engagement also provided an opportunity for MHS to share its perspective on the role of local manufacturing in strengthening Uganda’s healthcare ecosystem. As the country works to build greater resilience in the supply of essential health products, the growth of indigenous manufacturers presents an opportunity to retain value locally while developing the expertise, infrastructure and capabilities needed for a stronger health industry.
MHS appreciates the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for taking the time to visit its facilities, engage with its leadership and gain a closer view of Uganda’s emerging IVD manufacturing capabilities. MHS looks forward to building on this engagement and contributing to Uganda’s ambition for a stronger, more capable, and self-sustaining healthcare manufacturing sector by strengthening an indigenous manufacturing platform that supports the country’s health system while serving markets across Africa.
