Uganda is aiming to produce 210 million pairs of medical gloves annually following an expansion of East African Medical Vitals (EAMV), according to the Minister of State for Industry, David Bahati. The minister commissioned the company's second production line and oversaw groundbreaking for two additional lines at the Namanve facility in Mukono District, marking a significant push to reduce reliance on imports and position the country as a regional supplier of medical consumables.
EAMV's annual production capacity will increase from approximately 80 million pairs to around 210 million pairs once the new lines are operational. The Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) has backed the expansion through a Shs21.4 billion investment in 2023, which covered equity and debt financing to support Production Line 2 and provide working capital. UDC Executive Director Patrick Birungi said the investment aimed to strengthen local manufacturing, reduce the country's import bill, create employment and develop a competitive manufacturing sector.
The company has invested in modern technology and quality standards, with EAMV's executive director stating that products are manufactured at the highest global standards and can compete internationally. The company has also invested in skills development by sending 13 Ugandan engineers for specialised training in Malaysia. These engineers now hold leadership roles in technical departments at the Namanve facility, building local expertise in medical manufacturing and industrial operations.
The next phase of expansion will cost an estimated Shs60 billion, with the UDC Board approving Shs31 billion in financing support. Upon completion, the additional production lines are expected to create 328 jobs in the manufacturing sector. EAMV management said government investment has enabled the company to optimise operations and achieve profitability, improving from an initial annual production capacity of 36 million pairs.
For Uganda's healthcare system and manufacturers, higher domestic production could improve the availability of medical gloves for hospitals and providers while reducing exposure to international supply disruptions. The expansion also comes as Uganda pursues import substitution and local value addition as key strategies for industrial development, with the company potentially able to supply neighbouring countries and other export markets.