From creating life-saving Covidex to building Africa’s largest vaccine plant, Dr. Magoola’s journey is proof that Ugandan innovation can change the world. By: Samuel Mwesigwa l August 12th 2025
Toronto, Canada – Uganda’s celebrated scientist and bioscience entrepreneur, Dr. Matthias Magoola, has been awarded the prestigious Sankofa Lifetime Achievement Award for his groundbreaking contributions to science, healthcare, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Africa.
The award was presented by His Worship Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton City, during a high-profile event in Canada attended by prominent dignitaries, including the Head of Mission of the Uganda High Commission in Ottawa.
Transforming Africa’s Pharmaceutical Landscape
Under Dr. Magoola’s leadership, Dei BioPharma Ltd was named Best Pharma Company at the African Excellence Awards 2024. He also personally won Best Researcher at the International Molecular Biologist Awards for his pioneering work with mRNA technology in therapeutic drugs and protein vaccines.
Currently, he is advancing research into cassava-based pharmaceuticals, including a promising interferon, with the aim of tackling chronic illnesses using affordable, locally sourced solutions.
The Global South Impact Award annually recognises exceptional individuals from the Global South whose work has transformed communities and inspired progress. Previous laureates have included leaders in education, climate action, and global health.
For Uganda — and East Africa at large — Dr. Magoola’s recognition carries special weight. Not only is he the first East African to win this award, but his work also demonstrates Africa’s capacity for world-class scientific breakthroughs born from local expertise and resilience.
The President has been supportive to Dr. Magoola.
At a meeting held at State House Entebbe on April 13, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni lauded Dr. Magoola’s efforts and pledged government support to expedite the licensing of Uganda’s locally produced vaccines for the global market.
The President committed to fast-tracking the National Drug and Health Products Act, a critical step towards enabling the National Drug Authority (NDA) to secure WHO Maturity Level 3 accreditation — an achievement that would allow Uganda to license its own vaccines for international use.
Dr. Magoola expressed heartfelt appreciation for the Head of State’s unwavering commitment:
“We are grateful for the support from the government, and especially His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni, for his unwavering commitment to Ugandan scientists and in particular to the Dei BioPharma drugs and vaccines manufacturing project. Without his dedicated support, we wouldn’t be achieving these milestones. These achievements are for Uganda and, specifically, for our dear President, who has always stood up for the scientists in this country.”
Yet his impact extends far beyond the laboratory. Dr. Magoola has been a tireless mentor and supporter of entrepreneurship in Uganda. Among those he has guided is Owek. Edward Munaaba, CEO of Edwards Hamlet, who operates a bio-regeneration demonstration farm transforming rural livelihoods in Jinja City.
“I started working with Dr. Magoola ten years ago. We have shared ideas, built ventures, and inspired communities together,” Munaaba reflected. “Without his guidance, I wouldn’t have reached this far. This award is only the beginning; more recognition will surely follow.”
Celebrated Among Scholars and Leaders
The honour has been met with admiration from Uganda’s academic and professional circles. Prof. Etyang’a Frederick, CEO of FEM Consults, described Dr. Magoola as “an icon of integrity and one of the finest modern scientists Uganda has produced.”
Similarly, Counsel Isaac Christopher Lubogo, an award-winning African legal scholar, praised him as “a rare breed — a distinguished scholar and innovator whose initiatives give hope for Uganda’s future.”
Dei BioPharma – Africa’s Bold Pharmaceutical Vision
Dr. Magoola is the founder of Dei BioPharma Ltd, one of Africa’s most ambitious pharmaceutical enterprises, headquartered in Matugga, Uganda. The company is spearheading the construction of the continent’s largest biological drugs and vaccines manufacturing complex. Once completed, this facility will produce high-quality, affordable medicines — including mRNA-based therapeutics, protein vaccines, and cassava-derived pharmaceuticals — designed to meet Africa’s unique healthcare needs.
By focusing on local manufacturing and technology transfer, Dei BioPharma aims to reduce dependency on imports, create thousands of jobs, and ensure that lifesaving treatments are produced in Africa, for Africa.
Global Recognition, African Pride
In her acceptance speech, Percy Magoola dedicated the award to “all Africans who believe in the power of our own innovations to solve our own challenges.” The Canadian Black Women’s Association praised Dr. Magoola’s pioneering work as a perfect embodiment of the award’s mission: recognising those who transform communities while inspiring global change.
As the evening drew to a close, one message was clear — this was more than a personal achievement. It was a symbol of what the African scientific community can accomplish on the world stage when driven by vision, resilience, and an unwavering belief in homegrown solutions.
