Uganda Government Takes Steps to Regulate Traditional Medicine

The Ugandan government is taking steps to regulate traditional medicine production in response to a growing public interest in these remedies. Many people rely on traditional medicine but are often unaware of proper dosages, leading to potential health risks. The National Drug Authority (NDA) is working diligently to eliminate the use of untested traditional medicines.

In collaboration with manufacturers, the NDA is striving to enhance the quality of traditional medicine products through rigorous discussions and clinical testing. This partnership has resulted in the testing and approval of over 200 herbal medicine brands now available in drug shops and pharmacies. Jamil Lutakome, the president of the National Herbalists Association, highlighted the close collaboration with the NDA and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation to ensure their medicines undergo clinical trials for certification.

The partnership between the NDA and manufacturers ensures that herbal medicines undergo necessary testing and approval processes before being sold domestically or internationally. Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize, the Superintendent of Industrial Value Chains Development at the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, emphasized the financial losses faced by drug manufacturers due to non-compliance with standards.

Despite 60% of the population using traditional remedies, they often pay unfair prices for untested medicines that cannot be exported, further impacting revenue. Dr. Mwikirize emphasized the importance of clinical trials for medicines to be prescribed by doctors and sold in pharmacies or international markets.

To enhance research and improve the quality of traditional medicines, the government has established research centers at various universities, including Busitema and Mbarara. These centers aim to support ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and effectiveness of traditional medicines.

Overall, the government’s efforts to regulate traditional medicine production aim to protect public health, improve the quality of herbal remedies, and boost the credibility of Ugandan traditional medicine in both domestic and international markets.