KAMPALA, Uganda — XRP Healthcare, a company focused on improving healthcare, has acquired Pharma Ville, a major pharmacy chain in Uganda, marking its first step into Africa’s healthcare market.
The deal, announced Tuesday, aims to boost medicine access across the continent using technology and efficient distribution.
Pharma Ville runs two retail pharmacies and five wholesale centers in Uganda, serving as a key supplier alongside the National Medical Stores and Joint Medical Stores.
The acquisition brings 60 registered drugs, 18 ready-to-sell products, and 70 more awaiting approval, plus ties to eight global suppliers, including Switzerland’s Toros Group and India’s Naari Pharma.
Richard Kitonsa, Pharma Ville’s founder and CEO, called the move a game-changer. “This lets us grow faster and use new tech to help Uganda’s healthcare,” he said.
XRP Healthcare Chairman Whitney Lynn added, “We’re here to make medicines cheaper and easier to get. This is a big step.”
The company plans quick upgrades: better inventory systems, expanded licensing, wider distribution, digital payments, and new customer tools.
By year’s end, Pharma Ville will rebrand as XRP Healthcare. Its AI app, already live at www.pharmaville.ai, offers health advice in five languages, with a future update for uploading medical images.
CEO Kain Roomes sees opportunity in Uganda’s scattered pharmacy network. “We can make a fast impact here,” he said. COO Laban Roomes noted months of groundwork in Uganda to ensure smooth growth. Legal support came from Shonubi Musoke & Co. Advocates, tied to Norton Rose Fulbright.
Peter Waiswa, an advisor to UNICEF and XRP Healthcare, said the deal strengthens Uganda’s healthcare and economy. With Africa’s healthcare market set to hit $259 billion by 2030, XRP Healthcare is eyeing a slice of the $16.6 billion digital health sector.
The company holds trademarks in Uganda, the UAE, and the UK, with more pending.
A separate global announcement is expected this quarter, hinting at bigger plans beyond Africa.
