Uganda’s economy saw real GDP growth of 5% in 2023 and this provided a boost to sales of some consumer health products. Self-medication is driving growth in consumer health in Uganda as consumers are finding it easier and cheaper to purchase medication directly from pharmacies after seeking advice from a pharmacist since a consultation from a doctor can be too expensive for the majority of consumers.
Inflation was brought under control in 2023 and this meant that consumers received a small reprieve from the rising prices experienced in 2022. However, the prices of consumer health products continued to rise since the majority are imported into the country, with global inflation remaining high.
In Uganda, the sale of most OTC medicines are disturbed by the prevalence of roadside kiosks selling cheaper counterfeit products. With that being said, most consumers prefer to purchase their consumer health products from pharmacies, supermarkets, and small local grocers due to the fact that these channels offer greater convenience in both rural and urban areas.
Despite seeing a more stable rate of inflation in 2023 consumer health products are still perceived as being expensive since the majority of these products are imported. Many local consumers also have a negative perception of packaged consumer health products, due to concerns that many of the products available are counterfeits.
There are a number of challenges for those seeking to distribute goods in Uganda, with much of the country’s road network still being unpaved. While there is ongoing investment in the country’s transportation infrastructure, it remains difficult to reach many rural areas, which is where the majority of the population live.
OTC products are regulated by the National Drug Policy and Authority (Registration) Regulations of 2014. These cover all human and veterinary drugs and preparations, including packaged herbal/traditional products, vaccines and surgical instruments.
The National Drug Policy and Authority (Registration) Regulations of 2014 do not specifically cover vitamins and dietary supplements, leaving the regulation of this area uncertain. The NDA’s monthly drug register includes a number of vitamins and dietary supplements.
Population growth and rising disposable income should provide the basis for growth in consumer health over the forecast period, with more stable inflation set to support spending.
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Consumer Health
It is the aggregation of OTC, Vitamins and Dietary Supplements (VDS), Sports Nutrition, and Weight Management and Wellbeing
See All of Our DefinitionsThis report originates from Passport, our Consumer Health research and analysis database.
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