UGANDA INKS DEAL WITH U.S RESEARCHERS TO COMBAT CANCER

Uganda has signed a groundbreaking agreement with American researchers to develop advanced treatments for cancer and diabetes, marking a major milestone in the country’s biotechnology sector.
President Yoweri Museveni on Monday August 25, 2025, received the team of U.S. scientists, who will work alongside Ugandan researchers to harness the country’s vast plant biodiversity for medical breakthroughs.
The development comes as Ugandan scientist Dr. Matthias Magoola secured a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a novel cancer therapy. The treatment uses a guided RNA (gRNA) combined with the Cas9 protein to disable mutated cancer-causing genes, effectively destroying malignant cells.
Dr. Magoola’s biotech company, Dei BioPharma, based in Wakiso District, has filed more than 100 patents in the U.S., covering potential treatments for cancer, HIV, malaria, Alzheimer’s, tuberculosis, and diabetes. Several patents have already been granted, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requesting approval plans for clinical trials.
Museveni pledged full government support to help Dei BioPharma secure international licensing and fast-track local production, ensuring the medicines can be made available both in Uganda and abroad.
“This partnership is not only a boost for Uganda but a step forward in Africa’s contribution to global health solutions,” Museveni said.
The deal positions Uganda as a potential leader in biotech innovation, with hopes of reducing the global burden of cancer and other chronic diseases through homegrown solutions.