President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has declared that Uganda is entering a new phase of economic growth driven by science, technology, and innovation.
The Head of State made these remarks on Monday while launching the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto for the 2026–2031 term at a ceremony held in Munyonyo.
The President singled out the work of Dr. Matthias Magoola, the founder of Dei BioPharma Ltd, describing him as one of the scientists leading Uganda into the global knowledge economy.
He explained that Dr. Magoola’s inventions, which include therapies for cancer, malaria, and diabetes, will help lift Uganda’s economy to unprecedented levels in the next term of government.
He also highlighted Kiira Motors Ltd as another groundbreaking initiative that demonstrates the promise of a knowledge-based economy.
“So when we tell you that Uganda’s economy is going to be USD 500 billion instead of the current USD 66 billion, it’s because of what I’ve told you; the value addition, the diversification and now the knowledge economy — the economy based on science,” President Museveni stated.
The President encouraged Ugandans and investors to take ownership of locally developed enterprises and contribute directly to national wealth creation.
“Once the government has funded the research, it is your duty to come in. Instead of buying whisky, buy shares in these factories so that we keep our innovations at home, create jobs, and build wealth,” he urged.
He praised local scientists for demonstrating leadership on the global stage and placed Dr. Magoola at the center of this new wave of economic innovation.
“There’s one good boy called Magoola… our people have discovered medicines for cancer, diabetes and malaria. We are going to save the world from so many problems,” Museveni remarked.
Dr. Magoola has positioned Dei BioPharma Ltd as a pioneer in biotechnology, with over 100 patents already filed in the United States for therapies targeting cancer, malaria, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and Foot and Mouth Disease.
One of his most notable achievements has been the development of synthesis-based therapeutic proteins, an approach that bypasses costly recombinant processes, significantly reducing the price of cancer treatment.
Among the company’s latest innovations are two patented cancer solutions published by the U.S. Patent Office.
The first is a combined mRNA and CRISPR-Cas9 technology designed to detect and eliminate cancerous cells with precision.
The second is an early detection system that alerts the immune system to tumors at their earliest stages, providing a painless way to identify cancer before it spreads.
Dei BioPharma has also filed for a patent for a universal mRNA cancer vaccine platform.
Unlike personalized vaccines that take months to prepare, this universal vaccine is designed as an “off-the-shelf” solution capable of triggering an immediate and broad immune response.
Dr. Magoola explained that this innovation could make treatment affordable and accessible while reducing costs by as much as 100-fold.
The company is also advancing a new form of CAR-T cell immunotherapy, projected to cost less than $100 per patient compared to the current cost of over $500,000.
Officials revealed that Dei BioPharma is in advanced discussions with the Uganda Cancer Institute to transfer its gene and cell therapy unit to Mulago Hospital.
This move will allow the production of cutting-edge treatments, including CAR-T cell therapy, within Uganda itself.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Magoola emphasized that biotechnology has become a powerful driver of economic transformation.
“By manufacturing these drugs in Uganda, the government can collect significant tax revenue, which can be reinvested into the economy to boost the country’s GDP,” he said.
He noted that the annual revenue of a single drug like pembrolizumab, which stands at USD 30 billion, is greater than the total annual revenue of all East African countries combined.
In recognition of his contribution, Dr. Magoola was named one of Uganda’s “Faces of Science” in June 2025.
He has also received global acknowledgment, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on August 7 formally accepting development plans for two of his other products, liraglutide and semaglutide.
Dei BioPharma projects that sales of these two drugs will surpass USD 1 billion within 90 days of their approval.
President Museveni concluded that Uganda’s ability to embrace science and support innovators like Dr. Magoola will determine the nation’s economic destiny in the decades ahead.
