More than 200 plant species are currently undergoing extensive experimental trials to validate their medicinal properties.
This was revealed by a researcher at the Natural Chemotherapeutics Research Institute within the Ministry of Health Dr. Francis Omujal on December 19, 2024, during the closing ceremony of the Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing (ABS) training held at Mubano Hotel in Kisoro Municipality.
The training aimed at empowering the Batwa community, local leaders, and key stakeholders, equipping them with the necessary skills to create community protocols and contractual agreements that safeguard indigenous knowledge.
Omujal noted that many of the herbs being researched were originally introduced by the Batwa and other communities with a rich understanding of these plants.
“Our research is focused on herbs that could potentially treat a wide array of diseases,” he noted.
He disclosed that trials are investigating treatments for over 100 ailments, ranging from cough syrup and wound care to remedies for worms, diarrhea, and dysentery.
However, he also warned that these medicinal plants are rapidly depleting and could face extinction before their full potential is unlocked.
He stressed that their need to protect the plants and preserve natural heritage.
Simon Peter Achuu, the Project Coordinator for the ABS Project, provided insights into the capacity-building initiative that receives funding from the Global Environment Facility via the United Nations Environment Program.
“This project, active in the Kigezi and Karamoja sub-regions, seeks to conserve Uganda’s genetic resources while promoting the sustainable sharing of traditional knowledge. Our goal is to ensure equitable benefits for the communities involved,” he added.
The four-year initiative, launched in 2023, aims to enhance awareness and empower local communities to leverage the economic and cultural significance of their indigenous knowledge regarding genetic resources.
Justice Dr. Christine Echookir from the Family Court in Kampala offered valuable insights to participants, aiding them in navigating the process of forming agreements with organizations seeking to access their genetic resources, in line with the Nagoya Protocol, a worldwide framework governing the use of biological diversity.
He emphasized the need for awareness to ensure the world understands the immense value of these resources.
The project is set to run for four years, with a total budget of US$ 11.8 million, supported by a US$ 2.6 million grant from the GEF Trust Fund and a co-financing contribution of US$ 7.1 million.
Participants from the Batwa community expressed their gratitude for the training, which they described as eye-opening.
