The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has tasked government to explain the status of its investment in Dei-Biopharma Limited following the public auctioning of the pharmaceutical company over accumulated debts amounting to 147.7 billion shillings.
Speaking before Parliament, Ssenyonyi raised concerns about the fate of public funds invested in the company, warning that taxpayers risk losing billions of shillings if government fails to account for its investment.
Dei-Biopharma was established to manufacture medicines and vaccines targeting diseases such as cancer and COVID-19, among other illnesses.
However, questions have emerged over the company’s failure to deliver on its intended pharmaceutical production objectives.
Government reportedly holds a 9.4 per cent stake in the company, having invested approximately 725 billion shillings.
The development has prompted Members of Parliament to call for a comprehensive audit of the company to establish how public funds were utilised, the current value of government’s investment and the circumstances surrounding the company’s financial difficulties.
The legislators are also seeking clarity on accountability and the individuals responsible should investigations establish any loss or misuse of public funds.
By Alex Magala
10th Nov 2026
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