In an effort to boost Uganda’s biomedical sector, the government is establishing a pathogenic economy biosciences industrial park.
The 152-acre industrial park, located in Kakooge in Nakasongola District, about 75 kilometres north of the capital Kampala, aims at reducing Uganda’s dependence on biomedical imports and fostering economic growth.
The biosciences park is intended to be a hub for innovation and research, hence driving Uganda’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy.
Breaking the ground for the project, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja described it as a major step in advancing Uganda’s scientific capabilities, adding that it reflects the country’s commitment to using science, technology, and innovation to drive economic growth, improve public health, and build a prosperous future for all Ugandans.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vjdhmqWe78
The Prime Minister said the facility is expected to create 9,000 direct jobs for scientists, engineers, and technicians, as well as 80,000 direct jobs in logistics, marketing, and contract manufacturing.
The Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero, said the industrial park will reduce Uganda’s pharmaceutical import bill by 20 percent, saving the country over 100 billion dollars annually.
She said the park’s economic impact is expected to be substantial, contributing five billion dollars to the country’s GDP and positioning Uganda as a leader in Africa’s biotech industry.
Premier Nabbanja said the facility will also serve as a key training hub for students and researchers.
The park’s first investors, BioBio Tech, has already developed PCR diagnostic kits saving Uganda over 200 billion shillings in import costs.
Useful links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vjdhmqWe78
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lky7iHDi2Fo
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