HealCof DS Syrup is a safe, affordable and effective organic formulation for quick relief of flu and cough symptoms with minimal side effects to the patient. It is formulated from naturally-occurring readily available raw materials of plant origin; Zingiber officinale (ginger), Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum) and Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (bitter leaf).
In Uganda, smallholder farmers often clear native medicinal plants to expand annual crop fields, yet over 60% of the country’s population rely on them for herbal medicine. This practice reduces on-farm biodiversity, degrades soil, and eliminates a natural and climate-resilient resource. The innovation addresses this environmental issue by promoting the cultivation of such medicinal plants used to produce the organic remedy for flu and cough. These locally-grown medicinal plants minimize dependency on imported raw materials and enhances biodiversity. The project also increases green cover year-round which creates micro-habitats for pollinators and improves soil moisture retention. It utilizes a local, low-energy production model, avoiding synthetic chemicals and imported materials which closes the loop on waste.
Milestones attained by the innovation
HealCof DS Syrup emerged as the best winning innovation for the Center for Innovations and Technology Transfer (CITT) Quarter 3, 2022/2023 Seed Grant worth UGX. 16,650,000 (Sixteen Million Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Shillings Only). This enabled it to maneuver from ideation through the prototyping stage to product development level.
The prototype participated and won the 2024 Hult Prize OnCampus award, qualifying for the Global Hult Prize Competitions for USD $1M (One Million US Dollars) though it did not see light of day this time. HealCof DS Syrup also recently competed and won the CITT Quarter 1, 2025/2026 Commercialization Grant worth UGX. 7,000,000 (Seven million Shillings Only) which has seen it make its way into a product, part of the crucial steps being the recent approval by the NDA as a notified herbal syrup.
Regulatory milestone: NDA approval registration (THA 1387)
The securing of notification from the National Drug Authority (NDA) stands as the most critical regulatory milestone for HealCof DS Syrup. This achievement signifies that the product has been officially recognized by the national regulatory body and has been granted permission to proceed towards full market authorization. The notification number is a testament to the preliminary compliance of our formulation with the required safety and quality standards set by the NDA. It provides a legal framework within which all subsequent production, testing, and limited market engagement activities were conducted, shielding the project from regulatory non-compliance risks. This milestone validated our scientific approach and provided the necessary credibility when engaging with analytical laboratories, potential partners, and other public during exhibitions.
Quality assurance: Botanical identification and phytochemical analysis
A core pillar of herbal medicine development is the unequivocal identification and standardization of the raw plant materials. The botanical identification of all plant samples used in HealCof DS Syrup, conducted at the Natural Chemotherapeutics Research Institute (NCRI), ensured that the correct species were being used, thereby guaranteeing the authenticity, efficacy, and batch-to-batch consistency of the final product. This step eliminates the risks associated with adulteration or misidentification, which can lead to product ineffectiveness or, worse, toxicity.
Complementing the botanical identification, the qualitative phytochemical analysis successfully performed at NCRI provided the first scientific layer of validation for the product’s traditional use. This analysis confirmed the presence of key bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids, which are scientifically linked to the claimed antitussive, expectorant, and antimicrobial properties of HealCof DS Syrup.
Safety and quality control: Microbial analysis
Consumer safety is paramount. The microbial analysis conducted at the Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory (DGAL) was a non-negotiable quality control milestone to ensure HealCof DS Syrup is safe for human consumption. The tests for specific pathogens like E. coli and for general microbial load (total plate count) and spoilage organisms (yeasts and moulds) are stringent indicators of the hygienic conditions of production and the stability of the product. The successful passing of these tests confirms that our production processes, though on a small scale now, adhere to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
The results from DGAL demonstrated that the product is free from harmful microbial contamination and has a microbial load within acceptable limits for herbal syrups. This achievement is a powerful marketing and regulatory tool, providing tangible evidence to stakeholders, from the NDA to potential consumers, that HealCof DS Syrup is not only effective but also formulated to high standards of safety and hygiene. This milestone directly addresses a major concern about herbal products and significantly enhances the product’s credibility and marketability.
Business foundation: Company registration
Recognizing that a great product requires a strong business vehicle, the project team proceeded to formally register a company, Maleka Organics – SMC Ltd, with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB). This strategic move transitions the project from a purely academic research initiative into a viable commercial entity. The company registration provides a legal identity, enabling the venture to enter into contracts, protect intellectual property, and assume liability, which is essential for attracting investment and conducting business.
This milestone is vital for the sustainability of our flagship product; HealCof DS Syrup beyond market entry. It creates a structure for future revenue generation, employment opportunities, and scaling. The company can now formally engage with suppliers, distributors, and retailers. It also enhances the project’s credibility when applying for larger commercial loans or investment, as investors prefer to engage with a registered legal entity rather than individuals. This step demonstrates the team’s commitment to transforming university research into a real-world business with socio-economic impact.
Team building: Multi-disciplinary team development
Much as we lost our team procurement personnel, Late Bamwesigye Innocent Clinton (RIP), the execution of this project has been possible by the deliberate multi-disciplinary team comprising individuals with expertise in pharmacy, pharmaceutical formulations, business administration, financial management, IT and marketing. The team is being overseen by an experienced mentor, Dr. Daniel Chans Mwandah (MPS, PhD), who is highly knowledgeable in pharmacology, pharmaceutics and product development. This holistic approach has ensured that every aspect of the product development chain, from the laboratory bench to the market, has been handled by individuals with the requisite skills. The team’s collaborative effort is the engine that drove the project, allowing for the division of complex tasks and synergistic problem-solving.
This milestone is about more than just completing tasks; it is about capacity building. Team members gained hands-on experience in translating theoretical knowledge into a tangible product, navigating regulatory landscapes, managing a scrutinized budget, and engaging with the public. This has cultivated a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs within MUST, who are now equipped with the practical skills to launch other ventures. The team’s cohesion and shared vision were fundamental to overcoming the various challenges encountered throughout the project lifecycle.
- Team Lead: PhS. Emmanuel Maleka Simba – in charge of product formulation and quality assurance.
- Priscilla Aligonza Mutuzo – in charge of product branding and technology advancement.
- Julius Kyomya (MPS) – in charge of production and pharmacovigilance.
- CPA Editah Musiime – in charge of procurement, accounting and project financial management.
- Patricia Kobusinge – in charge of quality control.
- Marianita Kobumanzi – in charge of team building and project management.
- Witness Beda – in charge of operations, monitoring and evaluation.
- Derrick Isaac Isooba – in charge of Research and Development
Market engagement: Participation in exhibitions
HealCof DS Syrup has been prominently showcased at big events: the 2024 National Science Week, the MUST Agricultural Exhibition 2024, and the Opening Ceremony of the Faculty of Computing and Informatics, among others. These exhibitions have served as a platform for real-world market validation and public engagement. They have provided direct feedback from a diverse audience on aspects such as the product’s taste, packaging, and perceived effectiveness, which informed decisions like the subsequent rebranding.
Beyond feedback, these events have generated significant public interest and early-stage demand, with numerous inquiries from potential customers and distributors. Participating in the National Science Week, in particular, placed the innovation on a national stage, attracting attention from policymakers, other researchers, and the media. These exhibitions were not just promotional activities; they were low-cost market research exercises that proved there is a tangible market for HealCof DS Syrup, thereby de-risking the next stages of commercial investment.
Brand development: Product rebranding
Initial feedback from the early exhibitions indicated a need for a more professional and appealing product presentation to compete effectively in the market. Acting on this, the project undertook a complete rebranding exercise. This involved designing a new logo, selecting more attractive color schemes, and creating new label artwork that better communicate the product’s benefits and quality while complying with NDA labelling guidelines.
The new look of HealCof DS Syrup has dramatically improved its shelf appeal and perceived value. It now presents as a trustworthy, modern, and high-quality herbal medicine, moving away from the typical perception of crude traditional remedies. This rebranding is a strategic investment in the product’s market identity and is crucial for building a strong brand that can command customer loyalty and a premium price point. It demonstrates the team’s agility and responsiveness to market signals.
Research dissemination: ARDC participation and manuscript preparation
The project’s commitment to scientific rigor was showcased at the 2024/2025 MUST Annual Research Dissemination Conferences (ARDC) where the comprehensive safety and efficacy study findings were presented. Disseminating this research to the academic community and stakeholders is a core responsibility of a university-based project. The presentation sparked valuable discussions and peer reviews, further strengthening the study’s conclusions and raising the profile of HealCof DS Syrup within the scientific community.
Building on this, the preparation of a full research manuscript which has been submitted to a peer-reviewed journal (BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies) is a culminating academic output of the project. This manuscript documents the detailed methodology and results of the safety studies, providing an indelible scientific record that validates the safety of HealCof DS Syrup. Publication in a reputable journal will lend immense credibility to the product, open doors for international collaboration, and serve as a key reference for future regulatory submissions in other countries.
Challenges encountered and mitigation strategies
Despite the significant progress, the project faced several challenges. Firstly, shortage of funds for full commercialization is a major constraint. The grant was adequate for the development and validation phases but fell short of the funds required for scaling production, marketing, and market entry. To address this, the team pivoted to focus on activities that would make the project more attractive to investors, such as completing the toxicity studies and securing regulatory approval. We also actively pursued alternative funding, as evidenced by our participation in the Hult Prize competition where we emerged regional award winners.
Secondly, disagreements within the multi-disciplinary team arose, primarily concerning the prioritization of tasks and the allocation of the limited resources. Differing opinions between the scientific members (who prioritized more research) and the business-oriented members (who prioritized branding and marketing) created tension. This was addressed by holding regular team meetings with clear agendas, fostering open communication, and reiterating the shared ultimate goal. The Principal Investigator made final arbitration decisions based on the project’s strategic objectives, ensuring that critical path milestones were never compromised.
Other challenges included delays in receiving results from external laboratories due to their high workload, which was mitigated by constantly following up. Also, navigating the bureaucratic processes of the NDA and URSB required patience and persistence, often necessitating multiple visits and submissions.
Acknowledgement
The project team extends its deepest and most sincere gratitude to the Centre for Innovations and Technology Transfer (CITT) headed by Dr. Medard Twinamatsiko Katonera and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) for the financial support and vote of confidence bestowed upon us through the grants we received. We highly appreciate the guidance and administrative support provided by the CITT team throughout the project lifecycle. In a similar vein, we extend our appreciation to Pharm-Biotechnology and Traditional Medicine Center for availing us with the state of the art NDA-approved facility to formulate our product. We also acknowledge our esteemed mentor who never gave us even when we had team misunderstandings at times; Dr. Daniel Chans Mwandah, you are a true mentor indeed! This support is a testament to MUST’s commitment to fostering innovation and impacting society through its research outputs.
Recommendations to CITT/MUST
Based on our experience, we propose the following recommendations to enhance the growth and impact of future innovations:
- Establish a commercialization follow-up fund: Create a separate, competitive grant stream specifically for projects that have successfully passed the initial commercialization phase (like HealCof DS Syrup) to bridge the critical gap between market entry and full commercial launch/ sustainability. This fund could support activities like manufacturing, marketing campaigns, market penetration strategies, and foster actual sales.
- Facilitate continuous structured mentorship: Partner with seasoned entrepreneurs, industry experts, and legal professionals to provide structured mentorship to grant recipients. This would help teams navigate challenges like team dynamics, business modeling, and intellectual property management more effectively.
- Negotiate institutional partnerships: CITT/ MUST could negotiate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with key agencies like the NDA, NARO, DGAL, and other vital partners to provide grant recipients with fast-tracked services or subsidized rates for regulatory and analytical services, reducing both time and cost bottlenecks.
- Integrate innovation management training: Incorporate mandatory short courses on project management, financial literacy, and team building, among others for all innovator teams. This would equip teams with essential soft skills to manage their projects and relationships more effectively from the outset.
In conclusion, even with some setbacks, the project has not only resulted in a safe and standardized herbal medicine but also built capacity and generated scientific knowledge. We are confident that with the right subsequent support, HealCof DS Syrup can grow into a sustainable enterprise that contributes to the health sector and the economy, embodying MUST’s motto of “Succeed We Must.”
