By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda Updated at 1406 EAT on Wednesday 25 June 2025

In a bold step toward affordable and locally driven cancer treatment, the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has announced the development of six natural therapeutic remedies designed to ease the growing burden of cancer care in the country.

The initiative spearheaded by UCI’s Department of Natural Therapeutics—represents a significant shift in Uganda’s approach to one of its most pressing public health challenges.

With over 30,000 new cancer cases diagnosed annually, the demand for accessible and sustainable treatment options continues to rise.

The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Uganda include breast, cervical, liver, prostate, ovarian, and colon cancers, as well as leukemia, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and Burkitt’s lymphoma.

The UCI’s focus on plant-based and indigenous therapies aims to complement conventional treatments while making cancer care more accessible to underserved populations.

Patients in Uganda often face the dual burden of enduring the physical toll of cancer and the prohibitive cost of imported drugs. Now, thanks to an innovative team of pharmacognosists and researchers at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), six new natural remedies are being developed to offer effective, affordable support in cancer treatment and management.

The remedies Tincture, Muconat, Laxanate, Immunonat, Mammanat, and Healnat have been carefully formulated using plant-based compounds known for their therapeutic potential.

“This is a major opportunity for cancer management in Uganda,” said Dr. Boniface Adeka, a pharmacist at UCI who specializes in natural medicines.

“Natural products generally come with fewer side effects, which helps improve patient comfort and adherence to treatment,” Dr. Adeka noted. He also highlighted the economic benefits of developing these therapies locally.

“By producing them in Uganda, we’re drastically reducing costs. For example, the imported drug Colfield Rustin costs around Shs 400,000. Our alternative, Immunonat, is just Shs 15,000. That kind of difference is life-changing for patients,” he explained.

Dr. Adeka also highlighted ongoing supply challenges with conventional medicines, which often force patients to go without treatment or travel long distances to access drugs.

“These natural options will help bridge that gap, providing safe and effective alternatives,” he said.

The project is currently funded by a grant from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, but Dr. Adeka emphasized that funding remains limited.

“We are calling on the government and other stakeholders to increase investment in this innovation. We’re also open to partnerships with scientists for further testing and development,” he added.

The Uganda Cancer Institute aims to complete laboratory testing of the remedies within a year, with clinical trials scheduled to begin shortly thereafter.

One of the lead remedies, Tincture, is specifically designed for the prevention and early treatment of prostate cancer.

“This product is intended for men over 45, especially those at high risk,” Dr. Adeka explained.

Dr. Adeka explained that Tincture helps prevent the progression of prostate cancer from early to advanced stages and enhances patients’ quality of life through its antioxidant properties, which help counteract the cellular damage caused by chemotherapy.

Another promising remedy, Muconat, is a herbal mouthwash made from local plants such as tamarind and aloe vera. It targets oral mucositis, a painful and common side effect of chemotherapy characterized by mouth sores, lesions, and infections.

“Patients often suffer from these painful symptoms. Muconat helps manage them and promotes faster healing,” said Dr. Adeka.

Immunonat plays a critical role in managing neutropenia, a dangerous chemotherapy side effect that drastically lowers white blood cell counts, leaving patients vulnerable to infections.

These natural remedies are part of a broader effort by the Uganda Cancer Institute to expand access to cancer care, harness local resources, and reduce the financial burden of treatment.

The groundbreaking work being carried out by the Department of Natural Therapeutics is not only a medical breakthrough but also a powerful testament to Uganda’s potential to lead in indigenous, cost-effective healthcare innovation.

As UCI advances toward clinical trials, there is growing hope that these remedies will soon become mainstream treatment options, offering patients relief, dignity, and renewed hope—all without the crippling costs of conventional therapies.

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