Don’t label medicinal plants as evil – Dr Benson Oloya

Dr. Benson Oloya, A Doctor of philosophy (PhD) holder in chemistry and a lecturer at Muni
University Arua, has advised religious leaders and believers across divide not to label herbs that are
medicinal plants as evil.

He made the appeal during his thanksgiving ceremony at Mayors garden in Paidha Town Council,
Zombo District on Saturday, May 5 2024. The event attracted hundreds of educationists, religious
and political leaders, students amongst others.

The first principle in medicine is to do no harm and safety is always a fundamental principle in the
provision of any health-care treatment and procedures according to health experts.

Oloya who during his study discovered two new compounds not known before encouraged religious
leaders and believers not to be discouraged from using local herbs for treatments of some
complications emphasizing their importance in healing humanity.

He also warned witch doctors against taking ownership of herbs adding that the herbs were made by
God to help humanity.
“Many times Christians have shied away from using herbs, I want to make some clarification that not
all herbs are bad, God made some of these plants with therapeutic properties, so the witchdoctors
are claiming what does not belong to them, God created certain plants with medicinal properties
and we should accept that God created these plants to heal humanity.” Oloya explained thus
eliciting applause from members of the public who gathered to witness the pompous celebration
that started with prayers and a snaking queues of match on the streets of Paidha town council.

In his study, Dr Oloya Out of the local herbs found nine compounds active on tuberculosis bacteria
and also discovered two new compounds that he was given privilege to name.

“In my research, I discovered two new organic compounds not known before, and I was given
privilege to name them. I named one compound Adubangoamide, a name I derived from my late
grandmother and I named another compound as dranzoanol, derived from former and the late vice
chancellor of Muni University Dranzoa Christine” Oloya explained.

Tuberculosis, a communicable disease is among the leading causes of illness worldwide. Before the
onset of Coro virus (covid-19) pandemic, TB was the main cause of death resulting from a single
infectious agent and was ranked above HIV/AIDS according to 2021 statistics published by World
Health Organisation.

What Ugandan law say about herbal medicine?

The traditional and complementary medicine act 2019, doesn’t restrict the usage of herbal or
complementary medicine but said “ A person shall not operate, own or use premises as a
practitioner, producer, manufacturer, supplier or seller of traditional, herbal or complementary
medicine unless that person is registered as a traditional or complementary medicine practitioner”

For centuries, traditional and complementary medicine has been an integral resource for health in
households and communities globally with 170 countries reporting the use of traditional medicine
according to 2023 report by world health organization.

Dr Benson Oloya whose education journey was riddled with myriads of stumbling blocks rose
through the ranks breaking all odds to become a well-established researcher.

In his speech to the public, Oloya commended the Rt. Archbishop of the church of Uganda Dr Henry
Luke Orombi who accorded him scholarship to study twenty years ago, when actually his hope of
proceeding with education was waning. He encouraged the learners to emulate his academic
journey reverberating “my dear learners here, you can also make it like me “. He also encouraged
parents to give necessary support to their children as they study.

Oloya who transcends into certified researcher now join the table of over 2000 PhDs holders in
Uganda, most of whom are based at Makerere University.

The Woman MP of Nebbi Agnes Acibu was one of Dr. Benson Oloya‘s teachers at Erussi secondary
school in Nebbi. She recounted the researcher’s humility and commitment towards achieving his
goals. Acibu advised learners to emulate the life of Oloya to become successful in life.