Parliament Orders Probe Into Shs724 Billion Government Investment in Dei Biopharma

Parliament has instructed the Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation to investigate the circumstances surrounding Dei Biopharma Limited. The directive follows mounting public concern after reports emerged that the pharmaceutical company, located in Matugga, Wakiso district, was auctioning its properties despite receiving massive financial backing from the state.

During a plenary sitting, Speaker Jacob Oboth directed the committee to engage all relevant stakeholders and report back to the House within two weeks. The intervention came after the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, questioned the security of the estimated Shs724 billion injected by the government into the facility during the Covid-19 pandemic to boost local medicine production.

Lawmakers voiced strong concerns over accountability. Hon. Hassan Kirumira pointed out that buildings funded by taxpayers appear to be among the assets currently on the auction block. Meanwhile, Hon. Julius Nakiyi sought legal clarification regarding the distinction between Dei Industries International Limited and Dei Biopharma Limited, questioning the asset registration and government safeguards before share acquisition.

Defending the state’s involvement, Minister of State for Trade David Bahati assured legislators that proper due diligence was conducted prior to the investment. He maintained that the advertisement of assets does not automatically mean a total loss for the country, emphasizing the strategic importance of the facility’s health innovations.

Committee Chairperson Samuel Opio confirmed that the inquiry is already underway, with the Ministry of Finance slated as a key entity to engage before a final report is tabled for debate. Read the full details on the [Parliament of Uganda](https://www.parliament.go..