Over 40 students have graduated from the Natural Chemotherapeutics Research Institute (NCRI) in the study of Occupational Herbalism at Level Three of the Uganda Vocational Qualifications Framework. This program, conducted under the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT), equips graduates with credentials to manufacture, research, and prescribe herbal medicine both locally and internationally.
The collaboration between the DIT and NCRI aims to enhance the skills of practitioners in traditional and complementary medicine, addressing the need for standardized training and qualifications in the field. This initiative is in line with the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act of 2019, which calls for regulated training to ensure the safety and efficacy of traditional medicine practices.
“The Uganda Vocational Qualification Level Three certificate they are receiving today is comparable to the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE). These graduates are now qualified to vie for government positions, including Member of Parliament,” said Ms Lovance Kyarizi from the DIT.
The Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act of 2019 was developed in response to the growing recognition of the role of traditional medicine in Uganda’s healthcare system. It seeks to regulate the field, providing a framework for safe and effective practices.
“When COVID-19 hit, every country turned inward. Our leaders thought, ‘Why don’t we make our own medicine?’ This mindset shift was sparked by the first reported COVID-19 case in China, where a notebook was found with quickly noted herbal remedies,” said Dr. Grace Nambatya Kyeyune, the Executive Director of NCRI.
The Act, passed by the Ugandan Parliament in February 2019, mandates the establishment of a National Council of Traditional and Complementary Medicine to oversee the regulation of practitioners and practices in this field.
“We encourage all traditional healers to modernize, standardize, and take advantage of market opportunities,” urged Mr. Twinomujuni Kafunjo, a representative from the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB). He emphasized the absence of a policy guiding traditional medicine practice prior to the Act, despite abundant indigenous knowledge.
The graduates expressed pride in their achievements, noting that they can now operate officially, access pharmacies, and treat customers with government-issued certifications.
“We are formalizing agreements with influential cultural leaders like the King of Bunyoro and are in close contact with the Kyabazinga of Busoga. Our ultimate goal is to collaborate with these leaders to preserve medicinal trees across the country,” stated Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo, Chairman of the National Drug Authority (NDA).
According to a report from the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda, over 60% of Uganda’s population relies on traditional herbal medicine due to its accessibility, affordability, and cultural familiarity. These remedies are commonly used to manage conditions such as malaria, digestive issues, respiratory problems, skin diseases, and reproductive and childbirth complications.
The graduation marks a significant step in Uganda’s efforts to integrate traditional medicine into the broader healthcare system, providing practitioners with the skills and recognition needed to serve their communities effectively.