STAFF REPORTER
The United Organization for Batwa Development in Uganda, in partnership with Kanungu District Local Government, has launched the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing project.
The initiative, aimed at reviving African traditional medicine and ensuring that indigenous communities like the Batwa, who live near forests, benefit from these resources, was officially launched yesterday at the Kanungu District Headquarters in the main hall.
While launching the project, Kanungu Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Ambrose Mwesigye Amanyire commended the United Organization for Batwa Development in Uganda for promoting ancestral medicine, which has historically been valuable. He encouraged the Batwa to seize this opportunity for their development and urged other forest-adjacent communities to embrace the initiative while ensuring environmental conservation.
Kanungu District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Awuye Abudallah, represented by District Planner Innocent Atuhaire, called for more projects to enhance access to traditional medicine for the population.
Zannika Peninah, the Executive Director of the United Organization for Batwa Development in Uganda, stated that the project operates in eight districts across Uganda. She emphasized that its primary goal is to advocate for the rights of indigenous communities concerning traditional medicine.
Simon Peter Achuter, the organization’s Project Manager, encouraged the Batwa to utilize their inherited knowledge of local medicine for both personal and financial benefits. He also urged the government to establish laws to regulate and protect African medicinal resources derived from the wild.
Kanungu District Chairperson LC5, Eng. Arinaitwe Sam Kajojo, represented by Hon. Kenneth Tumuhamye, Secretary for Social Services, commended the organization for identifying gaps within the Batwa communities and working to address them. He encouraged the Batwa to learn from the project and educate others in their communities. Additionally, he called on the public to continue conserving and protecting the environment.
