Deputy Speaker Tayebwa Represents President Museveni as Minister Musenero Leads Grand Celebration of Ugandan Scientists at Kololo
At a grand ceremony marking the climax of the 2025 National Science Week Expo, Dr. Grace Nambatya Kyeyune, Executive Director of the Natural Chemotherapeutics Research Institute (NCRI), was celebrated among Uganda’s top scientists at the prestigious Faces of Science Awards. The event, hosted at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, was organised by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MoSTI) under the leadership of Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, and officiated by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Dr. Nambatya stood out not only for her remarkable contributions to natural medicine but also as the only female scientist among this year’s honourees, underscoring her trailblazing role in a field still largely dominated by men. Her recognition highlights the critical contributions of women in science and sets an inspiring example for aspiring female scientists in Uganda and beyond.
A celebrated medicinal chemist, Dr. Nambatya has devoted decades to advancing Uganda’s natural therapeutics. Her leadership has been central to the development of herbal innovations like UBV-01N and other public health interventions, bridging traditional medicine and modern science. She has also played a key role in advancing Uganda’s Indigenous and Complementary Medicine Bill.
In his remarks, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa applauded the awardees, describing them as “national assets driving Uganda’s transformation through science and innovation.” He emphasized the government’s continued support for research and development as a pillar of economic growth.
Minister Musenero commended the honourees for their dedication and called on young Ugandans to take inspiration from them. “The Faces of Science initiative celebrates homegrown solutions and the brilliant minds behind them,” she said. “Our future as a country depends on the innovations we nurture today.”
This year’s Science Week Expo featured exhibitions, panel discussions, and public dialogues showcasing Uganda’s advances in health, agriculture, ICT, and manufacturing.
The recognition of Dr. Grace Nambatya further cements NCRI’s position as a national leader in the advancement of traditional and complementary medicine, championing the integration of indigenous knowledge into modern healthcare solutions. Through sustained research and innovation, NCRI continues to develop safe, evidence-based natural therapeutics that improve the quality of life for Ugandans, promote health sovereignty, and contribute to Uganda’s growing bio-economy.