Rene at 25: From a Small Pharmacy to a Regional Leader in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in EAC

Background

Rene Industries began as a wholesale pharmacy specializing in importing and distributing pharmaceutical medicines. The company later expanded through backward integration into domestic manufacturing of essential medicines. Construction of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility commenced in 1996, with the first commercial production rolling out in 1998.

Rene Industries was founded in 1999 by Mr. Rishi Vadodaria and Dr. Meera Vadodaria, with a mission to create a self-sustainable pharmaceutical industry in Uganda and the East African region. The company’s vision is to be the trusted leader in the pharmaceutical industry, committed to innovation and the delivery of quality, affordable medicines. Rene believes in universal access to good healthcare for everyone.

Founder’s Vision

“I founded Rene Industries in 1998, along with my wife, Dr. Meera Vadodaria. We are proud Ugandans with five generations living in Uganda for more than 100 years. This is home for us. When I moved back to Uganda in 1983, I started by working in a retail pharmacy. Later, we set up a wholesale importation and distribution business in 1988. During this period, we realized that life-saving medicines were either unavailable or unaffordable for the vast majority. We were driven by one powerful question: What can we do to make our country less dependent on the importation of essential medicines? The answer was simple — local manufacturing. So, we decided to take a leap of faith by setting up a pharmaceutical plant in 1999,” stated Mr. Rishi Vadodaria.

Today

Rene Industries is a driving force behind Uganda’s healthcare sector. The company employs over 800 dedicated Ugandans and exports to several neighboring countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rene Industries is also expanding into Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Products

Rene Industries currently manufactures over 120 products spanning over 24 therapeutic ranges, covering a significant portion of the WHO essential medicines list. This includes:

• Analgesics
• Antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatories
• Antifungals
• Cardiovascular medicines
• Central Nervous System medicines
• Antidiabetics
• Antiallergics
• Cough/Cold/Flu preparations
• Gastrointestinal medicines
• Hematinics
• Multivitamins
• Oral Rehydration Salts

The company emphasizes ethical pricing, transparency, and access to high-quality medicine as fundamental to health equality. Rigorous testing ensures the highest safety standards for all products.

Corporate Social Responsibility

• Internship and CME Programs: Rene Industries trains intern pharmacists, chemists, and engineers, equipping them with specialized skills and experience in medicine manufacturing. Over the last decade, approximately 400 pharmacists and chemists have been trained. Continued Medical Education (CME) sessions are conducted to assist medical professionals in staying updated on new developments.
• Medical Contributions: The company contributes essential medicines to medical camps and charitable organizations.
• Sports Teams: Rene Football Club (Men) and Rene Netball Club (Women) represent the company in Uganda’s corporate league, fostering skill growth and healthy competition among employees.

Anniversary Event

On November 19, 2024, Rene Industries marked its Silver Jubilee celebration in a colorful ceremony at the Sheraton Hotel, Kampala. The event was graced by Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng as the Chief Guest.

Appreciation

The company extends heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders, including staff, regulators, suppliers, and clients, who have contributed to its transformative journey.

Major Clients and Regulators:

• National Drug Authority (Uganda)
• Rwanda Food and Drug Authority (Rwanda)
• ABREMA (Burundi)
• Drug and Food Control Authority (South Sudan)
• ACOREP (Democratic Republic of Congo)
• ZAMRA (Zambia)
• Ministry of Health, Uganda
• National Medical Stores (Government of Uganda)
• Joint Medical Stores
• Rwanda Medical Supplies (Government of Rwanda)
• CAMEBU Burundi (Government of Burundi)
• Medical Export Group (Netherlands – USAID)
• PMSS BUFMAR Rwanda

The Future

Rene Industries is focused on expanding its product portfolio, including cephalosporin products and medicines for lifestyle diseases. The company is setting up a pharmaceutical plant in Burundi, expected to be completed in December 2025.

Additionally, as part of its commitment to sustainability, the company is installing a state-of-the-art 305-kilowatt solar energy system at its facility in Kireka, Kamuli Road Kampala. This initiative aims to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future.