Quality Chemical Industries in Luzira has launched the local manufacture of Hydroxyurea, a life-saving medication used in the management of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).
Hydroxyurea has been clinically proven to reduce painful crises, decrease hospital admissions, and improve the overall quality of life for patients living with SCD.
The production facility was commissioned by the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine, and will oversee the production of Sikurea, a drug expected to strengthen the fight against sickle cell disease and improve access to treatment across the country.
Speaking during the launch on Wednesday, Dr. Atwine praised Uganda’s growing pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, describing the initiative as a significant milestone in improving access to affordable and effective treatment for thousands of Ugandans affected by sickle cell disease.
“By launching this local manufacturing capacity, Uganda has crossed yet another threshold. What we are launching today is not just medicine on the market, but a transformation in the lives of our people,” Dr. Atwine said.
She noted that sickle cell prevalence in Uganda ranges between 13% and 15%, depending on the region, with the Northern, Eastern, and Central regions recording the highest burden.
“About 20,000 children are born with sickle cell disease every year. The majority are not diagnosed at birth and only come to hospital during a crisis, which is often when they receive their first diagnosis. By the time they reach hospital, many already have complications, contributing to early mortality,” she said.
Dr. Atwine explained that sickle cell disease also places a heavy burden on the economy, as families face catastrophic healthcare costs. She added that prolonged hospital stays affect family productivity and drain household resources.
“When a child is screened at birth and linked to care, especially Hydroxyurea treatment, and is consistently followed up, there is a higher chance of survival, fewer complications, and the opportunity for these children to live normal and productive lives,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary applauded Quality Chemical Industries for the timely initiative, noting that increased access to Hydroxyurea would lead to better disease management, fewer complications, and reduced pressure on healthcare facilities.
“This milestone aligns with Uganda’s broader strategy to combat sickle cell disease. Through joint efforts, we aim to integrate the fight against sickle cell disease into our primary healthcare system and engage all stakeholders, including religious leaders who counsel couples before marriage,” she added.
Ajay Kumar Pal, Chief Executive Officer of Quality Chemical Industries Limited, emphasized the company’s commitment to addressing critical healthcare challenges in Uganda and across Africa.
“At QCIL, we are committed to improving access to essential medicines for diseases that pose the greatest public health burden on the continent. The introduction of locally manufactured Hydroxyurea marks a major step forward in ensuring that patients battling sickle cell disease receive reliable, affordable, and high-quality treatment,” he said.
Officials said the local production of Hydroxyurea is expected to lower treatment costs, improve availability, and reduce dependence on imported medicines.
Emmanuel Katongole, Co-founder and Chairman of Quality Chemical Industries Limited, said that while malaria and HIV once posed major health threats, local manufacturing of medicines for those diseases has significantly reduced their prevalence.
“We ventured into the manufacture of sickle cell drugs after realizing that 80% of the world’s 4.4 million sickle cell disease cases are in Africa. We are committed to producing these drugs at a lower cost for our people,” Katongole said.
He also applauded President Museveni for supporting the establishment and growth of the facility.
