Museveni Pushes Parliament to Fund Ssenfuka's Cancer and Diabetes Herbal Remedies

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni recently addressed the National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary caucus, calling on MPs to prioritize key budget items for the coming fiscal year. Among these, he spotlighted the herbal medicines developed by David Ssenfuka for treating cancer and diabetes, insisting they deserve government support.

Museveni described the funding as a strategic, non-recurring expense, unlike ongoing salary costs. He referenced other innovations like Kira Motors and preparations for Afcon, but emphasized Ssenfuka’s breakthrough as vital, learned about through intermediaries about a year ago.

The president has met Ssenfuka multiple times and invited him to brief cabinet ministers. He argued that Uganda should back local scientists rather than wasteful spending, given the huge potential gains if the remedies advance to international standards.

Non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart conditions now cause 35% of deaths in Uganda, making such innovations critical.

Testimonies from prominent figures bolster the case. Former Chief Justice Samuel Wako Wambuzi called the support ‘long overdue,’ praising its global promise against these ‘enemies of the world.’ Other users, including Rev. Peter Mukirane’s family, Justice John Baptist Katutsi, and survivors like 92-year-old Ssalongo Muhigwa Erisania and Hanifa Karubega, report remarkable recoveries after conventional treatments failed.

Ssenfuka, who has self-funded over a decade of work including animal trials with positive outcomes, expressed gratitude for Museveni’s vision. With budget approval, plans include human trials and building a factory for producing tablets, syrups, or injectables—though timelines remain unclear.

A cabinet minister noted the challenge of turning presidential backing into actual funding, requiring persuasion of bureaucrats and lawmakers.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)