The herbal concoction was among over 200 products exhibited at the 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 expo closing ceremony over the weekend that Covilyce-1 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 recognition confirms confidence in the herbal product produced at the university.
Gulu University vice-chancellor Prof George Openjuru Ladaah 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,” Openjuru said.
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.
Gulu university also came second in 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 Museveni ordering the release of Shs 3.7 billion to aid the clinical trial stage.
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