By Leilah Bbaale
The Uganda Investments Authority, UIA, has intervened to promote the herbal treatment solution Covidex, an innovation by Mbarara University of Science and Technology Professor, Patrick Engeu Ogwang.

Ogwang caught the eye of the public, the government and the international community last month following testimonies and a rush for covidex as vital in the treatment of covid 19.

The popularity of Covidex was reflected in the skyrocketing price of the 20 millilitre bottle of the solution from 3,000 to up to 80,000 shillings after it had been approved by the National Drug Authority-NDA.

While many saw Ogwang and his innovation as a blessing, his employer and some lawyers came out to challenge his claim of ownership of Covidex, on grounds that it was developed under a university program and that he used government resources to develop it.

As these differences continue, UIA is to facilitate the development of herbal medicine and Prof Ogwang’s company, Jena Herbals Ltd.

UIA and Ogwang “will explore a range of issues including the issuance of an Investment License, investment incentives, formalization of Covidex and other medicinal products, investment and business support, amongst others,” says a statement from the UIA.