Kampala, Uganda: The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa has called on Africans to build towards achieving a unified and self-reliant health sector. Addressing delegates from across the continent during the Africa Health Summit at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Friday, Tayebwa emphasized that Africa stands at a critical moment—one that demands collective preparedness, strategic investment, and bold leadership. He said the Continent has a big chance to strengthen its health systems if countries work together.
Tayebwa explained that the COVID-19 pandemic and changes happening around the world have shown Africa that it must be ready for future challenges. He said that when tough times come, other regions unite and face problems together, but Africa often responds in a disorganized way. He warned that difficult moments will come again, and the continent must not be caught unprepared.
He also pointed out that Africa has great potential in trade within the continent. Tayebwa said intra-Africa trade is now worth more than USD 220 billion, and if countries take advantage of this, they can grow stronger health systems and industries.
Tayebwa questioned why African countries still import a lot of medicine and medical kits when some countries already have factories that can produce them. He said, “Why should an African country import ARVs when we have a company here in Uganda capable of making them for the whole continent?”
He told delegates that Uganda is already investing in homegrown pharmaceutical companies such as Dei Pharma and Quality Chemical Industries Limited to reduce dependence on imports. Tayebwa encouraged other African nations to follow the same path so that the continent can have a strong and reliable medical supply chain.
Tayebwa concluded by saying that Africa must learn from one another and support each other if it wants a secure and self-sufficient health sector. He said Uganda is ready to open its doors to any country that wants to learn from its progress.
The inaugural Summit, which was held under the theme “Reclaiming Africa’s Health Future: From Dependency to Sovereignty Through Innovation and Solidarity,” was officiated by the Speaker of the Senate of Kenya, Rt. Hon. Amason Jeffah Kingi.
In his remarks, he noted that there are encouraging trends across the continent, including innovations that are reshaping the health sector. “If sustained, these developments will help the continent move closer to its goal of running an independent, efficient and effective health system. I left the Summit feeling hopeful, but we must work hard and work together to achieve the health sector we want for Africa,” he said.
Speaking about the same, Dr. Diana Atwine, the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, said the Summit highlights Africa’s opportunity to sustain itself in times of crisis by investing in local manufacturing of diagnostics, medicines, and medical supplies.
“By supporting each other through local and regional markets, we can reduce dependence, strengthen sovereignty, and build a resilient health economy,” she said. She also noted that expanding Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) into Buy Africa Build Africa (BABA) will enable the continent to turn African research into real products, vaccines, and digital health solutions.
“By building factories, labs, and regional value chains, we can ensure a self-reliant continent that thrives on its own innovations. Congratulations to all tonight’s winners, and to Africa for this important step forward,” she added.
