Speaker Jacob Oboth has directed a House Committee to investigate circumstances surrounding Dei Biopharma Limited in which government has invested billions, but whose assets are now up for sale.
Government has invested an estimated Shs724 billion in the pharmaceutical company, located in Matugga, Wakiso district, with the hope of mitigating the country’s need for medicines during the Covid-19 epidemic.
“I am informed that our committee [Science, Technology and Innovation] was asked by this House on 07 October to consider matters of Dei Biopharma. Our committee should interact with all stakeholders and bring a report which we can debate and make a decision on,” Oboth said.
He gave the guidance during plenary sitting on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, following a concern raised by the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi.
Ssenyonyi who has severally questioned government’s decision to invest in the company, cited recent media reports that show that the company has auctioned its property.
“What exactly did government use tax payers money to buy because the company is now a shell? I hope government will not come again and ask for more money to save the company. The tax payers demand accountability of the Shs724 billion that was spent,” he said.
Hon. Hassan Kirumira (NUP, Katikamu County South) said that it is worrying to learn that government’s investment in the company hangs in the balance.
“When the shadow cabinet visited the company, the then spokesperson informed us that government invested in construction and most of the items being auctioned are buildings,” he said.
Hon. Julius Nakiyi (NRM, Budadiri County East) raised the need for clarification between Dei Industries International Limited and Dei Biopharma limited, citing that the former has advertised assets of the latter.
“Were the assets registered under Dei Biopharma? Were they acquired before government bought shares? What safeguards did government put in place before buying shares from the company? This needs to be clarified,” Nakiyi said.
The Chairperson of the Committee on Science, Technology and Investment, Hon. Samuel Opio, said that the committee has commenced its inquiry into the company.
“One of the key stakeholders we going to engage with is the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The Committee will report back to Parliament,” he said.
The Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry), David Bahati gave assurance that government undertook due diligence before investing in the company.
“The mere fact that assets have been advertised does not mean that we are losing assets. This company is investing in good innovations that all of us can support. There may be mistakes but they will be corrected,” he said.
Dei Biopharma Ltd is a Ugandan biotechnology and pharmaceutical research and manufacturing company founded by Dr. Matthias Magoola in 2014. It focuses on developing and producing affordable innovative medicines, generics, nutraceuticals, and vaccines tailored for African and global markets
Speaker Oboth has given the Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation two weeks to report back to the House about the inquiry.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
