Page 63 - Demo

5. Packaging
Many Ugandan enterprises are missing out on the opportunities in larger markets because their packaging doesn’t meet international standards.
In order for Ugandan processed honey, fruit juices, mineral water, herbal medicines and chemicals, among other products to be competitive natio- nally, regionally and globally, the packaging has got to be quality.
Currently, there are about seven companies involved in producing packa- ging materials among which is Riley Packaging in Mukono, Afroplast Enterprises Ltd in Luzira, General Molding in Industrial Area, Rwenzori Bottling company. However, most of them deal in general plastics using the blowing technology. PVoC packaging technology is more acceptable worldwide.
Most of the companies that need good quality packaging to import their customized packaging from Kenya, South Africa and China.
6. Pharmaceuticals
Uganda’s pharmaceutical industry presents numerous opportunities for new investors as reflected by the growing local and regional demand for medicines and health supplies. 90% of the medicines in Uganda are imported mainly from India, Kenya, Netherlands, China and Denmark (UBOS, 2011).
Medicine accessibility stands at 45.7% in public health facilities, 57.5% in missionary units and 56.3% in private health units. Although Uganda’s market comprises both antibiotics and injectibles, the level of antibiotics prescribed by health facilities is higher than that of injectable medicines. The high demand for Essential Drugs for the treatment of Malaria, HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis is reflected by the trends in causes of morbi- dity in Uganda. HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria which are some of the major killer diseases account for 54% of the total disease burden in Uganda. Malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality but Tuberculosis is on the increase.
The growing demand for medicines and health supplies in Uganda has instigated the emergency of the Pharmaceutical Industry evolving from 2 manufacturers in the 1990s to over 10 licensed manufacturers by 2010. The sector has also recorded rapid growth in the number of pharmacies and drug shops countrywide but these are predominant in urban and semi-urban areas. The sector provides numerous opportunities with an assured internal market and external market given that 90% of pharma- ceuticals, sundries and medical equipment are imported into the country.