Gulu University’s herbal remedy, Covilyce-1 has been ranked the best among products exhibited at the just concluded 17th Mwanza East Africa Trade Fair (MEATF) held at Nyamagana stadium in Mwanza, Tanzania.
The herbal concoction was among over 200 products exhibited at trade expo that started on August 26 and was organized by the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (TCCIA).
Amina Makilagi, the Nyamagana District Commissioner in Mwanza announced at the official closing ceremony for the trade expo over the weekend that the University’s herbal was the overall best-exhibited product.
Makilagi noted that the University’s performance in herbal research wasn’t surprising since the institution brought a solution-based innovation to the public.
She advised other universities in the region to ensure they share their solution-based research than keeping it just as mere prototypes for study purposes only.
Dr. Alice Lamwaka Veronica, the lead researcher of Covilyce-1 said the judgment confirms confidence in the herbal product produced at the University.
Prof. George Openjuru Ladaah, the Gulu University Vice-Chancellor applauded the team for showcasing the ability of the University in research and innovation in practice.
He said the award is a big boost to the University in achieving its mandate for transforming the community.
“This is big because we are struggling with what we have to get these products for international use,” Prof. Openjuru told Uganda Radio Network in an interview over the weekend.
The Tanzania Chamber of Commerce later awarded the University a trophy and a certificate for their best performances.
The exhibition attracted more than 350 participants out of which 50 were international exhibitors.
The University also came second after Kenya last year after showcasing the Covilyce-1 product at the 21st edition of the East African Community Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Trade fair.
Unveiled last year, scientists at the faculty of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Studies (PharmBiotec) who invented the herbal remedy say it can cure covid-19 symptoms within 12 and 72 hours.
The herbal concoction according to the lead scientist Dr. Lamwaka also helps in the treatment of Asthma, hypertension, peptic ulcers, diabetes and sickle cell.
Further research into the herbal remedy has however been frustrated by a lack of funding from the government despite President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni ordering the release of 3.7 billion shillings to aid the clinical trial stage.
-URN
