Museveni Backs Use of Herbal Medicines, Commits Shs 260M towards Training

Government will fund the initiative to train youth in herbal medication with Shs 260 million in the coming financial year, President Yoweri Museveni.

The President made the commitment on Friday while presiding over the pass-out of 1,023 graduates from different districts who have been undergoing training in herbal medicine practice by the Uganda North American Youth Development Association in Lubaga-Mutundwe, Kampala.

Museveni made a case for the use of natural made herbs challenging the notion that herbal medicine is witchcraft.

“Ugandans should have self-confidence to understand the laws of nature and utilise them to help others. Science is not witchcraft; the trees used in herbal medicine were made by God,” President Museveni said.

President Museveni explained that if properly utilized, nature has the potential to provide solutions to health problems and other innovations.

Using his personal example, Museveni recounted; “When I was three months old, I was told that I got sick and was taken to some lady. She had to chew herbal medicine and directly administer it into my mouth”.

“I am alive because of her. Later, when I had grown, I visited and thanked her on advice of my mother,” he added.

“Governmet will support this herbal training initiative with Shs 260 million. I will also make, in the next financial year, a cash donation to the SACCO formed by the graduates”.

He used the event to caution women against the tendency of bleaching their skin.