Published on 05/07/2024
Legislators on the Committee of Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) have demanded an explanation from National Drug Authority (NDA) regarding the allocation of UGX 2.07 billion to Prof. Patrick Ogwang, inventor of Covidex, for the drug’s clinical trials despite its current market presence.
Robert Kasolo, representing Iki Iki County, voiced concerns over the legitimacy of NDA approval labels on several traditional medicine products including Covidex. He questioned why these products particularly Covidex were released to the public before completing the required clinical trials. Kasolo’s inquiry highlights a growing unease about the oversight and regulatory practices of the NDA in ensuring the safety and efficacy of medicinal products available to the public.

“Covidex is receiving funds from Parliament for clinical trials. If it is already recognized as a drug, does it make sense for it to receive more money? Many herbs on the market bear NDA certification, which is difficult to verify. Covidex is a prime example,” noted Kasolo.

NDA clarified that Covidex applied for clinical trials and that its ingredients are derived from known plants. NDA assessed the technical details and safety of these plants, and the manufacturing premises were reviewed before the drug was deemed safe for public use.
David Nahamya, Secretary to the National Drug Authority, explained, “Covidex contains ingredients from plants known to alleviate symptoms. The pending trial is to determine if it can treat COVID-19. We approved it as something to alleviate symptoms, like syrups that don’t cure the flu but help alleviate symptoms. The trial will test if it can kill the virus.”
During the 2024/25 national budget reading, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija announced that the government had allocated Shs2.07 billion to support Jena Herbals, owned by Prof. Ogwang, for clinical trials and to establish an internationally certified production facility for manufacturing and commercialization.
Kasolo emphasized that the general public might not understand the difference between alleviating symptoms and treating a condition. “People from Budaka believe they are being treated when they buy Covidex. It’s only the educated who understand the distinction, but the general public assumes they are being treated,” he said.
Bernard Ssekyanzi (Budyebo County) raised concerns about NDA’s enforcement practices, questioning why unqualified individuals in Nakasongola District are allowed to operate multiple drug shops, while those with qualifications face stricter enforcement.
“In the public, you find one person having four drug shops in the same trading center using the same license, and this person isn’t qualified. But those with qualifications face constant enforcement. What plans do you have for such incidents?” asked Ssekyanzi.
Denis William Mwesigwa, Director of Inspectorate and Enforcement at NDA, responded, “We need to investigate this further. Some people run away when we inspect, but legal drug shops must have a qualified person and a license.”
Dr. Ogwang is not the only scientist benefiting from government funding. The government has announced plans to support Uganda’s Pathogen Economy, which has made progress in developing vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other healthcare tools for public health security and import substitution.
Other beneficiaries include Prof. Jennifer Serwanga Sempala, who will receive an additional UGX25.24 billion to advance her research in human vaccines. The anti-tick vaccine project at Makerere University, led by Dr. Margaret Saimo-Kahwa, which has undergone clinical trials, will receive an additional UGX25 billion for production and commercialization in the 2024/25 national budget.