In a bold and strategic move that marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth journey, Medic Holdings Limited is proud to announce the official registration and launch of its international subsidiary, Meedek PTL FZE, in the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The incorporation of Meedek PTL FZE in early 2024 underscores our vision to strengthen our global footprint in the petroleum sector, enhance our oil procurement capacity, and improve access to international financing and markets.
The Evolution of Medic Holdings: From Uganda to the World
Founded in 2013 and incorporated in Uganda, Medic Holdings Limited has grown into a trusted name in the East African petroleum industry. Our operations span sourcing, supplying, storing, and distributing petroleum products across the region — serving customers in both the retail and commercial segments.
Driven by operational excellence, ethical leadership, and a commitment to safety and sustainability, Medic Holdings has steadily built a strong reputation and infrastructure base in Uganda and the surrounding markets. However, as global demand for energy solutions continues to rise and supply chains become increasingly complex and competitive, the need for international presence has become more critical than ever.
Enter Meedek PTL FZE – a venture designed to position Medic Holdings on the global energy map.
Why the UAE? Strategic Location and Global Opportunity
The United Arab Emirates has long been a central hub for global oil and energy trade. With world-class infrastructure, a business-friendly regulatory environment, and proximity to major shipping lanes and oil markets, the UAE offers unique strategic advantages. The Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ), in particular, has gained traction as a preferred destination for companies looking to launch and expand operations in the Middle East and beyond.
Advantages of the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone:
- Tax Incentives: 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate and personal income tax.
- Customs Benefits: Duty-free imports and exports for companies registered within the zone.
- Global Access: Direct routes to Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America.
- Efficient Setup: Fast-tracked company registration and simplified licensing processes.
By establishing Meedek PTL FZE within UAQ FTZ, Medic Holdings gains a gateway to efficiently tap into global oil markets, interact with multinational suppliers, and build relationships with international financial institutions to enhance operational liquidity and scalability.
Vision and Purpose of Meedek PTL FZE
At its core, Meedek PTL FZE is an extension of Medic Holdings’ commitment to excellence in petroleum distribution. However, the Dubai-based entity brings new capacities and strategic roles that will define our international agenda:
1.Enhanced Oil Procurement
Meedek PTL FZE is now tasked with sourcing petroleum products directly from global markets. This improves cost efficiency, eliminates middlemen, and allows Medic Holdings to negotiate directly with refineries and upstream suppliers — ensuring better prices, consistent quality, and predictable supply chains.
2.International Financing and Trade Facilitation
One of the main challenges faced by many African energy companies is access to global finance. With a legal entity in the UAE, Medic Holdings can now leverage international banking systems, trade finance instruments like Letters of Credit (LCs), and export credit guarantees — significantly improving our ability to secure high-volume contracts and manage large inventories.
3.Market Diversification and Strategic Alliances
Meedek PTL FZE also enables us to diversify market risk. While Uganda and East Africa remain key markets, we are now positioned to build alliances in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. This includes future potential for joint ventures, co-storage arrangements, and contract-based supply deals with international oil traders and logistic providers.
4.Compliance with International Standards
Operating in the UAE requires adherence to some of the world’s most stringent business and compliance standards. This is not a burden but an opportunity — by meeting global norms for transparency, corporate governance, and operational efficiency, Medic Holdings is future-proofing its brand and operations.
Impact on Operations in Uganda and East Africa
The benefits of Meedek PTL FZE are not limited to international operations. On the contrary, this global positioning is expected to significantly enhance our domestic and regional performance in several ways:
- Improved Inventory Availability: Direct procurement from global markets allows for better product availability and reduces reliance on third-party regional suppliers.
- Lower Costs: Economies of scale and direct supply chains will reduce procurement costs, ultimately benefiting our customers.
- Business Resilience: A diversified supply base reduces the impact of local or regional disruptions — making Medic Holdings a more stable partner in volatile markets.
- Faster Turnaround: With improved shipping and customs handling from UAE ports, we expect faster deliveries to East African destinations.
- Customer Confidence: The move demonstrates our commitment to growth, reliability, and professionalism — building trust with both existing and new clients.
Challenges and Solutions
Of course, launching an international operation comes with its share of challenges — from legal formalities to currency risks and cultural adjustments. Here’s how we’ve tackled them:
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
To navigate UAE’s regulatory environment, Medic Holdings engaged leading legal advisors and consultants to ensure full compliance with local laws. This includes registration with UAQ FTZ authorities, VAT regulations, and banking requirements.
Cultural Intelligence
We recognize that operating in the UAE requires sensitivity to local business culture. Our leadership has undertaken training and consultation with local advisors to ensure respectful, effective communication and relationship-building.
Risk Management and Currency Exposure
To manage foreign exchange volatility, Meedek PTL FZE employs hedging strategies and works with global banks offering multi-currency accounts. We’re also adopting risk-aware procurement models that limit exposure to sudden price changes.
Human Capital
Recruitment of skilled professionals in logistics, procurement, and finance is ongoing. A combination of local UAE talent and experienced Ugandan staff ensures a hybrid model of global expertise and home-grown knowledge.
A Message from the Managing Director
“Launching Meedek PTL FZE in Dubai is a proud and strategic leap forward for Medic Holdings Limited. It aligns with our ambition to build an African company with a global presence, and to deliver better service, efficiency, and value to our clients at home and abroad. We are excited about the future, and this expansion is only the beginning.”
— Abdul Kazibwe, Managing Director, Medic Holdings Ltd
Looking Ahead: Our 5-Year Global Vision
As we move into this new chapter, Medic Holdings has laid out a clear roadmap for global growth:
- Establish Regional Depots: In addition to Uganda, explore fuel depot opportunities in Kenya, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Digital Transformation: Integrate ERP and supply chain automation platforms between Dubai and East Africa.
- Sustainable Practices: Invest in cleaner fuels and logistics innovations to reduce environmental impact.
- International Partnerships: Build joint ventures with global suppliers and logistics firms for long-term collaboration.
- Capacity Building: Offer training, internships, and leadership development for African professionals in the global oil trade.
Conclusion: A Milestone Worth Celebrating
The launch of Meedek PTL FZE is not just a business expansion — it’s a vision realized. It reflects the bold thinking, strategic planning, and relentless pursuit of excellence that has always defined Medic Holdings. As we connect Uganda with global petroleum markets, our promise remains the same: to deliver quality, efficiency, and integrity in every drop of fuel we supply.
This milestone is also a call to all stakeholders — partners, clients, regulators, and employees — to join us on this exciting journey. Together, we are not just moving fuel; we are powering industries, communities, and futures.
Interested in working with Meedek PTL FZE or Medic Holdings Ltd?
Get in touch today:
📞 +256 782 097098 | +256 702 097098
📧 [email protected]