Supplying Medicines and Supplements to Uganda
A practical guide for Ugandan importers, wholesalers and hospital buyers who source from abroad, and for manufacturers and exporters worldwide selling into Uganda.
Uganda still imports most of its medicines: close to 90%, according to figures cited in August 2026. The rules are changing, though. A new law signed in April 2026 will replace the National Drug Authority with a new authority, and public buying increasingly favours local manufacturers.
For exporters, that usually means two plans: registered products for the private market and for tenders that aren't reserved, and partnerships, licensing or bulk supply where local makers now hold the public market.
Uganda at a glance
| Regulator | National Drug Authority (NDA). The National Drug and Health Products Authority Act, signed in April 2026, will replace it with a new authority |
|---|---|
| Who applies | A foreign manufacturer works through a local technical representative licensed by the NDA |
| Regional routes | The EAC joint assessment, led by Tanzania's TMDA, and the IGAD joint assessment |
| Public buyer | National Medical Stores (NMS), which buys 37 molecules only from local makers |
| Local preference | Locally made goods get a 15% price preference in public procurement |
How to supply medicines to Uganda
- Appoint a local technical representative. An NDA-licensed company acts for you on registration and endorses proforma invoices for imports, together with the importer's pharmacist.
- Prepare the dossier. A CTD dossier with a CoPP and the plant's GMP evidence.
- Choose the route. National review, or the EAC or IGAD joint assessment if you also want neighbouring markets.
- Supply. Private wholesalers, pharmacies and faith-based hospitals, or NMS tenders for products that are not reserved for local makers. Check the reserved list before you bid.
The new 2026 law adds routes for unregistered medicines for clinical trials, personal, compassionate and emergency use, under strict conditions. See named-patient and special import and government tender supply.
Supplements
The new 2026 law brings nutritional supplements under the new authority. Until it takes effect, confirm with the NDA and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) which one covers your product. We help brands get supplements made under their own label by GMP-certified contract manufacturers: see nutraceutical private label.
What people in Uganda search for
Semrush does not track Google searches in Uganda, so we cannot show local search data. On the supply side, 'pharmaceutical companies in Uganda' is searched about 50 times a month in India.
Supplements we can help you make
Medicines widely bought in Uganda include antimalarials, antibiotics and treatments for chronic diseases. Some examples we list:
Documents to ask your supplier for
- A Certificate of a Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) in WHO format.
- The plant's GMP evidence, such as a WHO-GMP, EU-GMP or PIC/S certificate, plus any inspection by your regulator.
- The registration dossier (CTD or ACTD), with bioequivalence data for generics where required.
- Stability data for hot climates.
- A Certificate of Analysis for every batch.
Not sure a supplier is genuine? Read how to verify a pharmaceutical supplier. For the neighbouring markets, see our Sub-Saharan Africa import guide.
Sourcing for Uganda?
Send the product, strength, quantity and the documents your regulator needs. We will match you with GMP-certified manufacturers and suppliers who can serve your market, wherever they are based.
Send your requirement Talk to our team