Kampala, Uganda – Quality Chemical Industries Limited (Qcil), Uganda’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, has reported record financial results for the year ended March 31, 2025, and announced ambitious expansion plans that could redefine pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa.
During its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Kampala, Qcil showcased a stellar year of performance, underscoring its role as a public health champion and a driver of economic development both in Uganda and across the continent.
Robust Financial Performance Reflects Strategic Discipline
Qcil posted revenue of UShs 267.1 billion, with gross profit climbing 18% to a record UShs 108.5 billion. Net profit surged by 22% to UShs 40.7 billion, driven by enhanced operational efficiency and cost discipline. In response to the company’s strong financial health, the Board approved a dividend of UShs 13.5 per share—more than double the previous year’s UShs 5.7 per share.
“This strong performance reflects our operational focus and public health mission,” said Mr. Ajay Kumar Pal, CEO of Qcil. “Our success is a testament to our team’s dedication, and we remain committed to expanding our impact across the continent.”
Scaling Up: A USD 36 Million Expansion Project
Qcil also announced a transformative USD 36 million investment to build a second manufacturing facility in Luzira. The new plant will double its tablet production capacity from 1.4 billion to 2.4 billion tablets annually. It will also introduce new lines for tuberculosis (TB) treatments, long-acting injectables, and other next-generation medicines.
The facility is designed not just for manufacturing but also for pharmaceutical research and development (R&D), marking a strategic step toward innovation-led growth.
“This isn’t just a factory; it’s a platform for the future of African pharmaceutical innovation,” said Mr. Emmanuel Katongole, Chairman and Co-founder of Qcil. “We are investing in capacity, in people, and in cutting-edge technologies to make Uganda a center of pharmaceutical excellence.”
Focus Areas: HIV, Malaria, TB, and Beyond
Qcil is a critical pillar in Uganda’s public health response, supplying over 6 million HIV treatments in Uganda alone last year and exporting to more than 14 countries across Africa. Its Luzira plant manufactures WHO-prequalified antiretrovirals (ARVs) and antimalarials at scale for public sector procurement.
The new facility will expand into manufacturing first-line and multidrug-resistant TB treatments—therapies currently not produced anywhere on the continent. Additionally, the plant will have a dedicated platform for long-acting injectables, including future production of products like cabotegravir and lenacapavir, which are revolutionizing HIV prevention and treatment.
Driving Regional Growth and Health Sovereignty
Qcil’s expansion aligns with a broader continental shift toward local production of essential medicines. With more governments prioritizing domestic manufacturing, Qcil aims to reduce dependency on imports and increase Africa’s health security.
The company plans to utilize 30% unused capacity in its current facility and leverage the upcoming plant for regional expansion, supporting public health systems in East, Central, and Southern Africa.
In FY2025, Qcil contributed UShs 19.8 billion in tax revenue (up from UShs 15.1 billion in FY2024), underscoring its growing economic footprint. It remains a major employer and a consistent investor in local talent and infrastructure.
Looking Ahead: Innovation, Access, and Impact
The expansion project, which begins in August 2025, is expected to take 24 months. Qcil is actively pursuing licensing and technology transfer partnerships to ensure readiness for new product categories once the facility is operational.
“Our R&D investment aims to develop and adapt treatments for African populations,” added Mr. Pal. “This includes emerging oral long-acting HIV therapies and combination therapies for co-morbidities like hypertension, diabetes, and hepatitis.”
About Qcil
Founded in 2005, Quality Chemical Industries Limited is Uganda’s first and only pharmaceutical company licensed by the World Health Organization to manufacture essential medicines. Listed on the Uganda Securities Exchange, Qcil is a pioneer in African pharmaceutical production, with a vision to provide affordable, quality-assured medicines that save lives.
