Uganda marked African Traditional Medicine Day with a conference and exhibition at Makerere University School of Public Health on the 10th of October 2024. Organized by the Natural Chemotherapeutics Research Institute (NCRI), the event brought together traditional healers, herbalists, regulators, and stakeholders such as the National Drug Authority (NDA), THETA, UCI, NCRI and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB).
Themed “Support the Provision of Quality and Safe Traditional Medicine Through Appropriate Regulatory Mechanisms,” this year’s celebration emphasized the importance of regulatory frameworks to ensure quality and safety in traditional medicine. Dr. Grace Nambatya Kyeyune, Executive Director of NCRI and a key advocate for the integration of traditional medicine in Uganda’s healthcare system, highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic has renewed global interest in herbal and alternative therapies. She commended the NDA’s contributions to improving standards and consumer trust, specifically through enhanced packaging and training for practitioners.
Former Deputy Chief Justice Steven Kavuma, the chief guest, spoke on the broader significance of traditional African medicine in global culture, advocating for unity across Africa. “When I see that we are talking about African traditional medicine, I realize we are talking about something bigger than Uganda. African traditional medicine has an element of Pan-Africanism… even this front must be used to liberate our people from this open theft of traditional medicines…across the continent of Africa,” he remarked.
Dr. Nambatya, addressed the need for consumers to prioritize herbal medicines approved by the NDA. “These medicines are on the NDA website, with close to 300 types…we encourage consumers to check the website… because the source matters in reference to quality,” she emphasized. Dr. Nambatya also discussed NCRI’s post-marketing surveillance process, in which they purchase products from the market to ensure patients receive what was promised.
She provided practical advice for those new to herbal medicine, encouraging them to participate in training. “It’s a whole process,” she explained. “We encourage you to have a garden or link to someone with one and know the kind of soil… as plants grown in contaminated soil can make people sick.”
Dr. Michael Romeo Mutyaba, the manager traditional and complementary medicine NDA, highlighted the authority’s role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines in Uganda. He reiterated the importance of compliance with regulatory standards, stating, “Our goal is to protect public health by ensuring that all herbal products meet the required safety and efficacy standards before they reach consumers.”
In addition, Mr. Twinomujuni Kafunjo Manager Traditional Knowledge, URSB & Chair Theta Board emphasized the need for traditional healers to register their formulations for government recognition and intellectual property protection. “By registering your products, you safeguard your knowledge and ensure that your contributions to traditional medicine are recognized legally,” he noted.
Traditional healers, herbalists, and spiritualists from across the region attended, including figures like Charles Lukogo, who highlighted the public’s mixed perceptions toward herbal medicine. He shared, “The challenge we face…some people, if they see this herb, say we are weak doctors… but these are the same plants they use in products like toothpaste.” Logo emphasized the importance of educating people on the relevance and benefits of natural remedies.
In addition to conferences and talks, the event showcased a variety of herbs and herbal products used for treating common ailments. For example, Indian basil, called omwa locally, is widely used for respiratory issues, while Java tea is used for kidney stones.
The conference underscored African traditional medicine’s growing role in Uganda’s healthcare system and stressed the importance of regulation, safety, and collaborative Pan-African efforts to preserve indigenous medical knowledge for future generations.
Through NCRI and other stakeholders, Uganda is taking significant steps to elevate traditional medicine within its healthcare system, ensuring that these practices remain a vital and trusted resource for generations to come.