The Natural Chemotherapeutics Research Institute (NCRI), under the Ministry of Health, today welcomed an international delegation led by Kimberly Krautter from the United States, representing a consortium of investors interested in supporting further research and development of a herbal remedy discovered by Ugandan herbalist Mr. Ssenfuka David.
The delegation, which included visitors from the USA, Dubai, India, and officials from State House Uganda, visited NCRI to conduct due diligence and assess the institute’s earlier research on Mr. Ssenfuka’s herbal product.
The formulation, which has been under scientific investigation at NCRI for the past six years, has shown promise in supporting the management of diabetes.
Speaking on behalf of the investor team, Kimberly Krautter commended Uganda for prioritizing traditional medicine research and affirmed the team’s interest in forging partnerships.
“We are here to see firsthand the work NCRI has done and to evaluate opportunities for collaboration. What we have found is a strong scientific foundation, dedicated researchers, and an innovator whose work holds great potential. Our interest is to support further research and ensure this product can be developed in line with international standards, to benefit patients in Uganda and globally,” she said.
NCRI Executive Director, Dr. Grace Nambatya Kyeyune, emphasized the institute’s pivotal role in bridging traditional knowledge and modern science.
“Our work is to bridge the gap between traditional medicine and modern science. Six years ago, we initiated laboratory and clinical investigations on Mr. Ssenfuka’s formulations, and today we are proud to show progress and renewed international interest. This is a testament to Uganda’s leadership in promoting safe traditional medicine,” Dr. Nambatya noted.
Mr. Agwaya Moses, a Senior Research Officer at NCRI and one of the scientists who conducted the initial studies, outlined the scientific importance of the investigations.
“The tests we carried out on Mr. Ssenfuka’s herbal formulations yielded promising findings, which justified further research. Today’s engagement shows that the global community is recognizing the value of the work we are doing here in Uganda. This motivates us to continue advancing evidence-based research in natural medicine,” he explained.
Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Ssenfuka David thanked NCRI, Dr. Nambatya, and the Government of Uganda for their support.
“I sincerely thank Dr. Grace Nambatya and the entire NCRI team for believing in me and testing my discoveries. I also appreciate the Government of Uganda for creating an enabling environment for herbalists like myself. This journey has not been easy, but with science and partnerships, we can bring hope to patients suffering from conditions such as diabetes” Mr. Ssenfuka remarked.
The visit highlighted the growing interest of international stakeholders in Uganda’s natural medicine sector. Discussions between NCRI, Mr. Ssenfuka, and the investor team focused on establishing pathways for further research, product development, and future collaboration.