KAMPALA – The 20th anniversary of Quality Chemicals Industries Limited (QCIL) has been described as a moment of national pride and a profound symbol of Uganda and Africa’s journey towards economic independence.
The sentiments were delivered on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni by a representative at the company’s anniversary celebrations held at its Luzira headquarters on Tuesday morning.
Marking two decades of operation, the event was doubly significant as it featured the groundbreaking ceremony for the company’s second pharmaceutical plant and the commissioning of a new state-of-the-art laboratory, signalling a major expansion of its manufacturing capabilities.
In the presidential speech, it was noted that the occasion “carries deep meaning for Uganda’s economy, health, and the continued growth of Uganda’s industrial transformation.” The President emphasized that QCIL’s sustained growth is a clear indicator of the positive trajectory of the country’s industrial sector.
The timing of the celebration, held on the eve of Uganda’s 63rd Independence Day, was described as “deeply symbolic.” The President stated that it represents a shift from mere political freedom to tangible economic self-reliance for the nation and the continent. He highlighted that QCIL’s success underscores Africa’s potential to chart its own course in critical sectors like pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Looking to the future, the President called for the integration of harbour and natural medicine into Uganda’s pharmaceutical production, pointing towards a new frontier for the local industry that leverages indigenous knowledge and resources.
During the event, the representative also took a moment to commend Mr. Emmanuel Katongole, the co-founder of QCIL, holding him up as an inspiration to all Ugandan entrepreneurs. He praised Mr. Katongole for demonstrating that Ugandans can build resilient, home-grown companies, nurture them to maturity, and successfully attract international investment partners.
The expansion of QCIL, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, is expected to bolster Uganda’s healthcare sector by increasing the local production of essential medicines and reducing dependency on imports.
