The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda has called on the government to urgently support local researcher and innovator David Ssenfuka in the development of his herbal medicine for cancer and diabetes. The religious leaders say the innovation has the potential to transform Uganda's healthcare sector and strengthen the country's indigenous medical research.

The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda has appealed to government to expedite support for Ugandan innovator David Ssenfuka, saying his research into herbal treatment for cancer and diabetes deserves immediate attention.

In a statement released by the Council's Secretary General, Joshua Kitakule, the religious leaders urged President Yoweri Museveni to continue supporting the innovator and ensure that the necessary government institutions facilitate the development of the medicine.

The appeal follows a series of meetings between President Museveni and David Ssenfuka on how government can support research and commercialization of locally developed herbal medicines

The council says promoting indigenous medical research will not only improve healthcare services but also contribute to Uganda's economic transformation through innovation.

The Chairperson of the Inter-Religious Council, Bishop Joshua Lwere, says the Council carried out its own assessment by engaging a number of people who received treatment from Ssenfuka. He says their findings indicate that the herbal medicine has shown promising results in the treatment of cancer and diabetes.

Bishop Lwere warns that continued delays in supporting the innovation could expose Uganda to the risk of losing the research to foreign interests who may seek to benefit from the country's indigenous knowledge.

David Ssenfuka welcomed the support from the Inter-Religious Council, saying the endorsement by religious leaders has strengthened his resolve to continue with his research after years of seeking government support.

Ssenfuka thanked President Museveni for meeting him and pledging government support towards his innovation and also condemned what he described as false and misleading information being circulated about his research.

Recently, President Museveni directed Cabinet to identify funds within the national budget for support towards local innovators like David Ssenfuka so that their research can be further developed for the benefit of the country.