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Established in 2021 by Ben Kavuya and five corporate shareholders, the factory employs over 400 Ugandans and is fully locally owned.
According to its executives, the plant plans to soon expand its product line to produce condoms, and other medical equipment such as syringes, cannulas and blood bags.
During the tour, the MPs were informed of a myriad of challenges that the factory is facing, including a lack of local supply of rubber.
Hon. Dr Joseph Ruyonga, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Health Committee proposed a feasibility study on cultivating rubber in Uganda, noting that the crop matures within five years and can be harvested for over 25 years.
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“This is a viable source of income that can transform our people,” he added.
On his part, Mr Ben Kavuuya, the Executive Chairman, highlighted the need for affordable financing to support the manufacturing sector.
“Manufacturing is not like running a garment shop,” he noted. “There are processes that require patient money.”
He urged the government to establish a dedicated fund for manufacturers, emphasising that such support is critical for the sector’s growth and expansion.
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An employee at East African Medica Vitals
Kavuya also argued that government efforts should focus on supporting expanding companies rather than attempting to revive struggling ones.
“Focusing only on saving the dying companies that take a lot of our resources is not sustainable,” he said.
“The right way is to save the businesses that are already doing well.”
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Ben Kavuuya showcasing the company products to the MPs
Factory Achievements and Investment
Brian Kavuya, the company's Managing Director discussed the factory’s milestones.
The plant received approval to sell its surgical gloves from the National Drug Authority in September 2021, and President Museveni launched the plant officially in December 2021.
The Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) supported the factory's growth with an investment of UGX 20 billion, facilitating the establishment of a second production line, packaging machines, and a warehouse.
This new line, which opened in July, enables the factory to supply its products to government entities like the National Medical Stores (NMS) and Joint Medical Store (JMS), along with private laboratories.