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Researchers Encourage Community to Use Herbal Medicine

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15 years ago

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Most individuals have a negative perception about herbal medicine as regards its safety and effectiveness. However research has proven that the use of herbal medicine is actually reliable and effective. As such, many researchers, scientists and food nutritionists gathered together in the Natural Products Research Network for Eastern and Central Africa (NAPRECA) dissemination workshop on 23rd June 2011 at Makerere University, to address this negative perception about natural medicine. The participants shared their findings and reviews on nutri-medicinal plants among others.

Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Maud Kamatenesi Mugisha, Chairperson NAPRECA noted that the research network had been in existence for many years and herbal medicine is the key in health care delivery. “Although many people perceive herbal medicine as medicine for the poor and some Christians oppose using it saying that those who make it are witchdoctors, it is clear that with disease resistant microbial strains on the rise, there is need to go herbal.” She further made it clear that medicine got from nutri-medicinal and traditional plants is not poisonous as is the general perception. She however observed that it is only when the wrong (usually excess) dosage is administered that the medicine becomes poisonous.

Therefore with the steadily rising population limited to only a few, and often ill-equipped health facilities, natural products that cure diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, pneumonia among others are effective for use. Uganda is steadily embracing natural products, and gone are the days when the country would depend on foreign help to carry out research on medicinal plants.

During the workshop, researchers presented their findings and reviews that were quite impressive. Alice Nabatanzi one of the researchers presented her work which was based on nutria-medicinal values of amaranthus species in Uganda which had dietary fibre, vitamins and lysine in their seeds. She named a lot of amaranthus species in Uganda that included dubius, lividus, hypochondriacus, and caudatus.

Nakibuuka Mary Magdaline, a student of Makerere University also presented her research on anti-oxidant content of nutria-medicinal African indigenous plants used in the management of HIV/AIDS opportunistic ailments in the communities of Central and Western Uganda. Among her findings were indigenous plants for example vernonia amygdalina that cures malaria, bidens pilosa which cures wounds and albizia coriarai that cures cough. These indigenous plants have been observed to reduce oxidative stress, an underlying factor which may contribute to aspects of the HIV disease such as viral replication.

Researchers however revealed that they often face a number of challenges such as; myths and stigma from people, problems when it comes to packaging due to lack of facilities for example some pack in polythene bags, and limited shelf life of some of their products. However, despite the challenges, the researchers have faith in their work and are even looking forward to attaining scholarships to help deepen their research knowledge. There will be another NAPRECA conference in Nairobi on 4th August, 2011, where the researchers hope to share their findings and gain more knowledge.


Article by Grace K. Magare, Intern, Public Relations Office, Makerere University

Most individuals have a negative perception about herbal medicine as regards its safety and effectiveness. However research has proven that the use of herbal medicine is actually reliable and effective. As such, many researchers, scientists and food nutritionists gathered together in the Natural Products Research Network for Eastern and Central Africa (NAPRECA) dissemination workshop on 23rd June 2011 at Makerere University, to address this negative perception about natural medicine. The participants shared their findings and reviews on nutri-medicinal plants among others.

Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Maud Kamatenesi Mugisha, Chairperson NAPRECA noted that the research network had been in existence for many years and herbal medicine is the key in health care delivery. “Although many people perceive herbal medicine as medicine for the poor and some Christians oppose using it saying that those who make it are witchdoctors, it is clear that with disease resistant microbial strains on the rise, there is need to go herbal.” She further made it clear that medicine got from nutri-medicinal and traditional plants is not poisonous as is the general perception. She however observed that it is only when the wrong (usually excess) dosage is administered that the medicine becomes poisonous.

Therefore with the steadily rising population limited to only a few, and often ill-equipped health facilities, natural products that cure diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, pneumonia among others are effective for use. Uganda is steadily embracing natural products, and gone are the days when the country would depend on foreign help to carry out research on medicinal plants.

During the workshop, researchers presented their findings and reviews that were quite impressive. Alice Nabatanzi one of the researchers presented her work which was based on nutria-medicinal values of amaranthus species in Uganda which had dietary fibre, vitamins and lysine in their seeds. She named a lot of amaranthus species in Uganda that included dubius, lividus, hypochondriacus, and caudatus.

Nakibuuka Mary Magdaline, a student of Makerere University also presented her research on anti-oxidant content of nutria-medicinal African indigenous plants used in the management of HIV/AIDS opportunistic ailments in the communities of Central and Western Uganda. Among her findings were indigenous plants for example vernonia amygdalina that cures malaria, bidens pilosa which cures wounds and albizia coriarai that cures cough. These indigenous plants have been observed to reduce oxidative stress, an underlying factor which may contribute to aspects of the HIV disease such as viral replication.

Researchers however revealed that they often face a number of challenges such as; myths and stigma from people, problems when it comes to packaging due to lack of facilities for example some pack in polythene bags, and limited shelf life of some of their products. However, despite the challenges, the researchers have faith in their work and are even looking forward to attaining scholarships to help deepen their research knowledge. There will be another NAPRECA conference in Nairobi on 4th August, 2011, where the researchers hope to share their findings and gain more knowledge.


Article by Grace K. Magare, Intern, Public Relations Office, Makerere University

Denis Wamala

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Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga Appointed 2nd Deputy Prime Minister

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10 hours ago

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May 29, 2026

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The Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga gestures during an interview on 17th January 2025. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 5, CAES, CEDAT and CHUSS. 17th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga as Uganda’s Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament.

The appointment was announced on May 26, 2026, as part of the cabinet reshuffle for the 2026–2031 government term. Dr. Kiyonga now assumes one of the senior leadership positions in government while continuing to serve as Chancellor of Makerere University.

Dr. Kiyonga is both Chancellor and alumnus of Makerere University. He studied at Makerere University School of Medicine from 1973 to 1978, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). He later obtained a Master of Health Science in Population Dynamics from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in 2004.

Born on September 19, 1952, in Kasese District, Dr. Kiyonga attended Bwera Primary School, Nyakasura School, and Kings College Budo before joining Makerere University.

He was appointed Chancellor of Makerere University in August 2024 and formally installed in October 2024, succeeding Professor Ezra Suruma.

Incoming Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga lifting the Chancellor’s Mace.

Political and Public Service Career

Dr. Kiyonga entered national politics during Uganda’s 1980 elections, where he won a parliamentary seat on the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) ticket. He later joined the National Resistance Movement during the liberation struggle and subsequently served in several senior government positions after 1986.

He represented Bukonjo County West in Parliament from 1980 to 2016 and was also a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1995 Constitution.

Over the years, Dr. Kiyonga has held several ministerial portfolios, including:

  • Minister for Cooperatives and Marketing
  • Minister of Finance
  • Minister of Internal Affairs
  • Minister of Health
  • Minister without Portfolio
  • Minister of Defence

During his tenure as Minister of Health, he played a key role in Uganda’s response to the Ebola outbreak in Gulu in 2000.

From 2016, he served as Uganda’s Ambassador to China, where he represented Uganda during a significant period of Uganda-China relations.

Dr. Kiyonga’s appointment marks a return to frontline government leadership after several years in diplomatic service and university leadership.

Significance for Makerere

As Chancellor, Dr. Kiyonga serves as the titular head of Makerere University and presides over major ceremonial functions, including graduation ceremonies.

University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga confers a Doctorate Degree upon one of the graduands during the 76th Graduation Ceremony. 76th Graduation Ceremony, Day 2, School of Public Health (MakSPH). Commencement Speaker-Dr. Margaret J. Kigozi, Makerere University Endowment Fund Chairperson. 25th February 2026, Freedom Square, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga confers a Doctorate Degree upon one of the graduands during the 76th Graduation Ceremony.

His appointment reflects the longstanding contribution of Makerere University alumni to public service and national leadership in Uganda and across the region.

Speaking during his installation as Chancellor in 2024, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet K. Museveni, noted that Dr. Kiyonga’s experience and networks would support the advancement of the university.

Makerere University congratulates Chancellor Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga upon his appointment and wishes him success in his new role.

The Writer is a Volunteer in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University and the Mak Sharks PRO | Est. 2014

Philemon Akoragye.
Philemon Akoragye

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Applications for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2026/27

Published

4 days ago

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May 25, 2026

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Students in discussion groups in Freedom Square on 1st April 2026.

UPDATE 25th May 2026

  • Application deadline extended to 28th May 2026.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2026/2027 Academic Year for ‘A’ Level Leavers Only.

Each applicant should:

Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five (5) passes, or its equivalent and at least two (2) principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2025, 2024 and 2023 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level. Detailed information on the weighting system can be accessed by following this link.

Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug. Effective Monday 20th April 2026. 

A non-refundable application fee of shs.50,000/= for Ugandans, East African and S. Sudan applicants or $75 or equivalent for internationals  plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.                                           

 Candidates who hold grades X, Y, Z, 7 and 9 of ‘O’Level results should not apply because they are not eligible for admission. Below are the availble courses including respective fees structure.

Advert-Mak-PRIVATE-Undergraduate-ADMISSION-2026-2027Download
Additional-A-Level-Private AdvertDownload

How to submit your application                                            

  1. Applicants should access the Institution’s Admissions URL https://apply.mak.ac.ug/
  2. Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No.  Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
  3. A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.                                      
  4. The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
  5. To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.                                              
  6. Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
  7. Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority                                            

MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:                                                 

  1. Dial *272*6# on either MTN or Airtel                                                             
  2. Select option 3-Admission                                                     
  3. Select option 3-Pay Fees
  4. Enter reference number obtained from Application portal 
  5. Details of Application form will be confirmed                                                              
  6. Enter PIN to confirm payment                                                            

The closing date for receiving applications shall be 28th May 2026.

WARNING:                                                             

  1. Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission.  The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
  2. Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office.  Those who buy them do so at their own risk. 
  3. The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agent to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.    
  4. Applicants are advised to use the right programme names and codes. the university will not be responsible for any wrong information entered in the system by applicants.                                               

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

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Admission List for Bachelor of Laws under Government Sponsorship 2026/27

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1 week ago

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May 22, 2026

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The Office of the Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists for students admitted to the Bachelor of Laws under Government Sponsorship for the Academic Year 2026/2027.

Please note that the list below contains those who were admitted under the Direct (A’ Level Leavers), Diploma, and Mature Age Entry Schemes.

The admission list is shown below:

Mak-Undergraduate-Bachelor-of-Laws-Government-Sponsorship-2026-2027Download

Related:

Pre-entry Examination Results for Admission to Bachelor of Laws 2026/2027

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