Uganda

Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Market Intelligence

East Africa's Essential Healthcare MarketNMS-Led ProcurementImport-Driven Essential Medicines

A stable, import-driven pharmaceutical market with strong public procurement, expanding pharmacy networks, and substantial unmet demand in reproductive and maternal healthcare.

Healthcare network map of Uganda centred on Kampala

≈51M

Population

USD 359M

Pharma Imports

80–85%

Import Dependency

USD 450–650M

Pharma Market

≈5M

People with Infertility

1. Market Characteristics

Essential Medicines Market

✓80–85% of medicines are imported
✓National Medical Stores (NMS) is the main public procurement channel
✓Local production covers ~10–20% of total pharmaceutical supply
✓Private pharmacies are increasing, especially in urban centers
✓Stable demand driven by essential healthcare needs and public programs

2. Pharmaceutical Intelligence

Key Market Indicators

USD 450–650M

Market Size

USD 34.8M

Exports (2024)

USD 120–220M

Dietary Supplements (8–11% CAGR)

~10–20%

Local Manufacturing

Uganda pharmaceutical distribution network

3. Essential Medicines Supply Chain

80–85% Imported Medicines

Main Import Sources

India — USD 156M
China — USD 41.9M
Kenya — USD 30.7M
France — USD 17.9M
Belgium — USD 13.2M

Supply Chain

Imports
National Medical Stores (NMS)
Hospitals & Health Centers
Community Pharmacies
Patients

East Africa pharmaceutical trade network

4. Reproductive Health Intelligence

Women's Health & Fertility Snapshot

59%

Tubal blockage among women with infertility (Kawempe & Mulago)

23%

PCOS among infertile women (Kawempe & Mulago)

≈6.4%

Infertility prevalence (national survey estimate)

≈7%

Secondary infertility (national survey data)

≈11–12M

Men of reproductive age

Sources: Kawempe & Mulago tertiary maternity hospitals study • Uganda national survey data • OEC (HS30) 2024 • NMS • NDA • Ministry of Health Uganda • WHO • World Bank • IQVIA