The Inter Religious Council of Uganda has appealed to government to urgently support the scientific development and validation of a local medical innovation by Ugandan cancer and diabetes drug discoverer, David Ssenfuka. In a statement issued by the council’s Secretary General, Joshua Kitakule, religious leaders said Ssenfuka’s innovation could transform Uganda’s health sector and enhance […]
The Inter Religious Council of Uganda has appealed to government to urgently support the scientific development and validation of a local medical innovation by Ugandan cancer and diabetes drug discoverer, David Ssenfuka.
In a statement issued by the council’s Secretary General, Joshua Kitakule, religious leaders said Ssenfuka’s innovation could transform Uganda’s health sector and enhance the country’s reputation in medical research if subjected to the required scientific processes.
The call follows several engagements between President Yoweri Museveni and Ssenfuka regarding the development of his claimed treatment for cancer and diabetes.
The council said supporting local innovations in healthcare is critical in reducing the burden of diseases while encouraging scientific advancement and homegrown solutions.
Pastor Joshua Lwere, a member of the Inter Religious Council and co-chairperson of the Council of Presidents, said religious leaders had made inquiries among some individuals who claim to have used Ssenfuka’s medicine and believe it has potential that deserves further investigation.
Lwere said he personally witnessed cases involving individuals who had reportedly benefited from Ssenfuka’s treatment, including a woman he knew to be suffering from diabetes and cancer.
He also claimed that the council’s Secretary General had experienced improvement from diabetes after using Ssenfuka’s treatment.
“I first heard about Ssenfuka’s work through a woman I knew who was suffering from diabetes and cancer. She was introduced to him, and according to her testimony, she recovered after treatment,” Lwere said.
He added that Ssenfuka had also visited his church, where he witnessed his work firsthand, and cited other prominent individuals, including judicial officials and a former Chief Justice, whom he said had benefited from the treatment.
Lwere said based on these experiences, he contacted a medical doctor linked to State House to examine Ssenfuka’s herbal formulations and help introduce him to President Museveni.
He noted that government had previously supported local herbal innovators such as Dr. David Nibanzi Ogwang, the developer of Covidex, and urged that Ssenfuka’s work should similarly be subjected to proper scientific assessment.
However, Lwere stressed that the treatment must undergo rigorous scientific procedures to establish its safety and effectiveness.
He warned that delays in supporting local innovations could result in other individuals or countries taking advantage of Uganda’s discoveries.
Meanwhile, Ssenfuka welcomed the support from religious leaders, saying their intervention had renewed his hope after years of seeking assistance to develop his innovation.
He thanked President Museveni for meeting him and expressing willingness to support his work but criticized individuals he accused of spreading misinformation about his discovery. He also appreciated the Inter Religious Council that paid him a courtesy visit seven years ago to boost his initiative.
Senfuka says his use of herbal medicines has spanned over 11 years and counting.
Recently, President Museveni directed Cabinet to identify resources within the national budget to support Ugandans involved in developing medicines and innovations that can benefit the country.
