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Kampala/Matugga – Troubling signs are emerging from Uganda’s flagship pharmaceutical and biotechnology giant, Dei Biopharma, as reports confirm a massive exodus of top scientists and senior managers from the company’s state-of-the-art vaccine and drug manufacturing complex in Kigogwa–Matugga.
Once hailed as a landmark investment that would anchor Africa’s healthcare self-sufficiency, the facility is now facing turbulence that insiders say could compromise its ambitious vision.
CEO Forced Out
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The most shocking development is the sudden departure of Group CEO Hirak Kumar Sen, a seasoned Indian pharmaceutical executive headhunted to lead the multi-billion-dollar enterprise.
Kumar, who boasts over three decades of leadership in global healthcare — with stints at Abbott, Pfizer BioNTech, Sanofi-Aventis, Novo Nordisk, AstraZeneca, Boston Scientific, Cipla, Sun Pharma, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories — was reportedly forced out in August 2025.
Sources say he was “unceremoniously” sent back to India while still owed two months of salary arrears and without his full contractual financial obligations being honored.
It is indicated that the time he has been at the Matugga plant he worked hand in hand with the ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation in the development of organic fertilisers and also launched fertilizer called Organic New Earth (O.N.E) fertilizers.
Kumar reportedly was also behind the new flour brand Bella Wheat Grain which Dei Group of Companies officially launched its latest innovation on Uganda’s food security and baking sector.
His now abrupt removal has sent shockwaves with some insiders fearing it signals deeper structural and governance cracks at Dei Biopharma.
Key Scientist Quits
Adding to the turmoil, Chief Pharmacist Dr. Arthur Kayanja, the group’s technical head and a linchpin in the production of innovative drugs and vaccines, resigned weeks ago.
Kayanja was pivotal in liaising with the National Drug Authority (NDA) to secure approvals and ensure compliance with stringent pharmaceutical standards. His exit leaves a technical void that observers say could stall several pipeline projects.
HR Walks Away
The exodus doesn’t stop there. The Group head of Human Capital Olivia Kemigisa threw in the towel over allegations that she had got fed up of pressure from the top bosses who were not willing to follow her policies in honouring the staffers’ concerns in regard to salary issues, and wellbeing of employees, especially when it came to paying the employees’ NSSF dues as we shall subsequently report extensively on this.
Kemigisa, an experienced HR leader with previous senior roles at MTN Uganda and the U.S. Embassy in Kampala, was said to be deeply concerned about what she described as “a culture of disregard for professional HR standards.”
Dei Biopharma, founded by businessman Dr. Matthias Magoola, was billed as one of Africa’s largest vaccine and drug factories — a project that drew government backing at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But the sudden exit of its top scientists and managers has left industry insiders asking tough questions: What is happening inside the facility? Why are professionals with international pedigree leaving in droves? Is government oversight strong enough to safeguard the billions invested?
A dossier seen by this publication, whose details we are still being verifying, alleges unprofessional practices and financial mismanagement within the company. The dossier, which we shall serialise, will “shock” the line Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, led by Dr. Monica Musenero — a ministry itself facing questions about oversight and accountability.
“This exodus is not just about one company,” one health sector analyst observed. “It’s about whether Uganda can manage and retain the talent needed to compete in the global pharmaceutical arena.”
With the exodus unfolding, stakeholders — from Parliament to the Ministry of Science — are being urged to intervene, audit, and demand accountability before Dei Biopharma’s promise collapses under the weight of mismanagement and talent flight.
Dei Biopharma representatives have been contacted for a comment.
For now, all eyes remain on Matugga as the story develops.
Watch this space!
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