INFLUENCE MAGAZINE MARCH 2024

Influence-Magazine.TodayistheintellectualpropertyofMarketingMasteryandissolely responsibleforanyofitscontents.

Influence-MagazineTodayisasourceofeducationandinformationonly.Weareaministryof Education,Information,andTruthAccordingtoGod’sLoveLettertoHumanity-TheHolyBible.

DISCLAIMER:

Weserveasaninitiativeofanunincorporatedassociationprivatememberassociationministry,FBO.Assuch, weservehumanityintheJuedo-Christianperspective,butweservehumanity,notsects.Wedonotprovide financialorlegaladviceorconstituteanoffertosellorasolicitationofanoffertobuysecurities.

NOTICETOALLPARTIES:

BeitknownbyallthattheTradeMarkandServiceMarkhavebeenrecentlyupdatedandarepresentedaffixed withinthisnoticeandthroughoutthisperiodical.AnyreferencestoMarketingMasteryVIPCLUB andits registeredtrademarksshouldbeonrecordaswitnessingthisnewlogo/trademark.

ThePrincipals,Officers,Directors,Members,andvolunteersof(collectively,livinghumanbeings”)arenot affiliatedwithanyU.S.SecuritiesBroker-Dealer.MarketingMasteryisnotaRegisteredInvestmentAdvisor. Theinformationrelativetoanythingfinanceorinvestingispurelyinformationaland/oreducationalonly.

ThisinformationhasbeenpreparedbyMarketingMasteryunderitsrelationshipwithInfluenceMagazine Today.Itisbeingfurnishedtoyousolelyforeducationalpurposesanddoesnotconstituteanoffertosellora solicitationofanoffertobuysecurities.Theinformationcontainedhereinneedstoincludeasufficientbasis formakinganydecisionconcerningapurchaseoracquisition,covestment,orjointadventureofanykind.Itis notintendedtoconstitutelegal,tax,and/orinvestmentadvicethatmayotherwiserequirealicenseor certification.Theinformationpresented,andanysupplementsthereto,mayincludemarketandeconomic dataasitpertainstopublicinformation.Theinformationhasbeenobtainedfromsourcesbelievedtobe reliable. Itdoesnotpurporttocontainallthematerialthataprospectivereader,subscriber,orjoint adventureparticipantmaydesire.

Prospectivesubscribers,readers,affiliatemarketers,and/orjointadventureparticipantsshouldconducttheir owninvestigationandanalysisofMarketingMasteryVIPClubandthedataandmaterialssetforth.Marketing MasteryVIPClub,noranyofitsemployees,affiliates,readers,subscribers,orvendorsmakesno representationsorwarrantiesastotheaccuracyorcompletenessofthisinformation,subjecttoapplicable federalandstatelaw.Saidreaders,subscribers,vendorscontributingauthors,and/orjointadventure participantswillbegiventheopportunitytoaskmanagementquestionsandreceiveanswersoradditional informationtotheextentitcanbeobtainedwithoutanyunreasonableeffortorexpense.Thisinformation shouldnotberelieduponasanindicationthattherehasbeenanychangeinthebusinessorfinancialaffairs ofMarketingMasteryVIPCluboritsaffiliatessincethedatehereoforsincethedate(s)theinformationwas firstprepared.

PUBLISHERSNOTE:

CuratedcontentfromsourcesotherthanMarketingMasteryarethepropertyoftherespectivebrand asmarkedandissharedwithoriginalfullcopyrightoftherespectivesources,author,andgraphicsor imagespresentedwiththecuratedcopy.

Influence-Magazine.Todayaspirestobecomeamulti-award-winningmagazineofferedto distinguishedinfluential,high-net-worth(orwhowishtobe)readersworldwide.

OnTheCover

ThePHARMBIOTRACleadershipteam fromMbararaUniversityofScienceandTechnologyfromlefttoright: PROFESSORDR.ROBERTTAMUKONG-ENGINEERANKEWEISHEIT,DR.CASIMUMBATOLO-

PHARMBIOTRACProgramatMbararaUniversityofScienceandTechnology

Thedepartment’sresearchfocusliesintheintersectionofpharmaceuticalbiotechnologyandtraditional medicine,withanemphasisonbridgingmodernscientificpracticeswithindigenoushealingmodalities.

PHARMBIOTRACaimstoexplorethepotentialofmedicinalplantsasasustainablesourceofbioactive compoundsfordrugdiscoveryanddevelopment.

Additionally,leadershipiscommittedtoleveragingbiotechnologicaltoolsandtechniquestoenhancethe efficacy, safety, and accessibility of traditional medicine. This includes exploring interdisciplinary approaches,suchasmolecularbiology,pharmacogenomics,bioprocessing,andformulationscience,to unlockthetherapeuticpotentialofnaturalremedies.

ThePHARMBIOTRACprogramatMUSToffersanopportunitytoengageindynamicresearchand collaborationwithinadedicatedacademicenvironment.Theprogramfocusesonbuildingspecialized humanresourcesthatalignwiththeapplicant'scareeraspirationsofbecomingaleaderintranslational researchandinnovationinpharmaceuticalbiotechnologyandtraditionalmedicine.

Furthermore,theprogram'scombinationofacademicrigor,hands-ontraining,andindustrypartnerships provides a conducive environment for the applicant to expand their expertise and contribute meaningfullytothefield.Thecommittedapplicantcanlookforwardtoengagingwithesteemedfaculty mentors,collaboratingwithpeers,andparticipatinginexperientiallearningopportunitiestofurther theirprofessionaldevelopment.

ThePHARMBIOTRACleadership’sacademicbackground,researchexpertise,globalrecognition,and commitment to excellence are without comparison; They are eager to contribute their skills and knowledgetotheeducationalandscientificcommunitiesatMUSTtosignificantlycontributetothe advancementofpharmaceuticalbiotechnologyandtraditionalmedicine.

PROFESSOR DR.PATRICKOGWANG

Introduction

ExploringtheFrontiersofNaturalProducts ResearchbyPHARMBIOTRACatMbarara

UniversityofScienceandTechnology

NestledwithinthevibrantacademiclandscapeofMbararaUniversityofScienceand Technology,thePharm-BiotechnologyandTraditionalMedicineCentre,ACEII (PHARMBIOTRAC),standsasabeaconofinnovationandexcellence.Atthecrossroads ofmodernbiotechnologyandtraditionalmedicine,thiscenterhaspioneered groundbreakingresearchtobridgethegapbetweenancienthealingwisdomand cutting-edgepharmaceuticaladvancement.

EstablishingaNexus

PHARMBIOTRAC'smissionrevolvesaroundexploringtheintricateconnection betweenpharmaceuticsandtraditionalmedicine,seekingtoharnessthesynergies betweentheseseeminglydisparaterealms.Theresearchersatthecenterbelievethat understandingandincorporatingtraditionalhealingpracticesintomodern biotechnologicalframeworkscanleadtonoveltherapeuticsolutionswithprofound implicationsforglobalhealth.

ThematicResearchAreas

a)HarvestingHope:ThePowerofIndigenousMedicinalPlants

PHARMBIOTRAChasbeenattheforefrontofisolatingandcharacterizingbioactive compoundsfromindigenousmedicinalplants.Researcherscollaboratewith traditionalhealersandlocalcommunitiestoidentifypotentialdrugcandidates, pavingthewayfordevelopingnewpharmaceuticals.Theteamhasmeticulously identifiedandstudiedtheactivecompounds,openingnewpossibilitiesfordrug discovery.Thesynergybetweenmodernanalyticaltechniquesandtraditional knowledgepaintedapromisingpictureforthepharmaceuticalindustry.

b)RevivingAncientWisdom:Significance ofEthnobotany.Ethnopharmacologyand MedicinalPlantConservation.

Recognizingtheimportanceofpreserving biodiversity, the center focuses on ethnopharmacological studies to document traditional medicinal knowledgeSimultaneously, initiatives are in place for sustainable harvestingandconservationofmedicinal plants,ensuringthelongevityofvaluable natural resources. The researchers collaboratewithlocal healers,preservinganddocumentingageold healing practices These studies are shedding light on the importance of culturalknowledgeindevelopingeffective and culturally sensitive healthcare solutions.

Leveraging state-of-the-art biotechnologicaltools,PHARMBIOTRACconducts bioprospecting endeavors to unearth microbial and plant-derived compounds with therapeutic potential. This research avenueholdspromisefordiscoveringnew antibiotics, antivirals, antimalarial, anticanceragents,etc.

Example:ScientistsatPHARMBIOTRACled by Dr. Hilda Ikiriza have identified Dioscorea bulbifera, commonly known as the air Potato, as a potential natural contraceptiveforwomen.

ThestudieshaverevealedthatDioscorea bulbifera contains compounds with contraceptiveeffectscalleddiosgenin.The plant's tubers have shown promise in regulating menstrual cycles andreducing the likelihood of conception without causingadversesideeffects.

continuedonpage7

continuedfrompage6

ThepotentialofDioscoreabulbiferaasa natural contraceptive has sparked excitementinthescientificcommunity, asitcouldprovideasafeandaccessible alternativeforwomenworldwide.

ThepotentialofDioscoreabulbiferais not only seen as a breakthrough in familyplanningbutalsoasasustainable and plant-based solution. As scientists continuetheirinvestigations,thehopeis thatDioscoreabulbiferacouldbecomea valuable addition to the array of contraceptive options available to women, offering a natural alternative that aligns with global efforts toward sustainable and environmentally friendlysolutions.Staytunedforfurther updatesonthispromisingdevelopment inwomen'shealthcare.

d)IntegrationofTraditionalMedicine intoHealthcareSystems

PHARMBIOTRACrecognizestheneedfor a holistic approach to healthcare. Researchers are actively engaged in projectsthatexploretheintegrationof traditional medicine into mainstream healthcaresystems,

fostering collab-oration between traditionalhealersand modernmedicalpractitioners.

LinktoSelectedPublicationsExploringthe FrontiersofNaturalProductsResearchby PHARMBIOTRAC:

https://wwwdropboxcom/scl/fi/jyw8nkq oanr2qhwzcjmz1/Selected-PublicationsExploring-the-Frontiers-of-NaturalProducts-Research-by-

PHARMBIOTRAC.docx?

rlkey=979h2x0xth7iw20p27vs6mr1g&dl=0

continuedonpage9

Dr.CasimUmbaTolo(Director,PHARMBIOTRAC)PresentingTremendous Achievementsof ResultsbyPHARMBIOTRACtotheWorldBankGroupandAfricanRegionalGovernmentsduring theEasternandSouthernAfricaHigherEducationCentersofExcellenceProject(ACEII)Midterm TechnicalandAdvisoryMeetinginLilongwe,Malawi(November18-19,2019).

Laboratory work by PHARMBIOTRAC at Mbarara University of Science and Technology

ThecenterestablishedandsupportsseverallaboratoriesatMbararaUniversityof Science and Technology (MUST). They include PHARMBIOTRAC production, pharmaceuticalbiotechnologyandmicrobiology,pharmacology,andpharmaceutical analyticallaboratories.

Duetothenatureofprogramsofferedatthecenterintheareaofnaturalproduct developmentandstandardization,severallaboratoryexperimentsareconductedin thelabs,rangingfromtestingofdrugs,biologicalassays,formulationofvarious productsintotablets,syrups,etc.,analysisandqualitycontrolofherbalmedicines; planttissueengineeringandotherbiotechnologicalprocesses.

Therefore,severalactivitiesareimplementedintheselaboratories,asshowninthe variouspictorials.Ourpoolofpostgraduateresearchworksinitiatessomeofthese, butothersstemfromspecificresearchprojectsondrugdiscoveryanddevelopment. Fromtheselaboratoryexperiments,wealsoaccumulatepreclinicaldatainnatural drugdevelopmentthatinformssubsequentdecisionsregardingthepotentialsafety andeffectivenessofmedicinalproductsfromplantsandothernaturalsources.

Apartfromresearchandproductinnovations,ourlaboratoriesalsooffercontract servicestoprivateindustriesorcompanieswhoneedmorecapacitytocarryout certainaspectsoftheirmanufacturing.Forexample,ouranalyticallabprovides qualitycontrolservicestoseverallocalindustriesproducingphytopharmaceutical products.Theproductionlaboratoryalsoofferscontractmanufacturingservicesto innovationsandlocalherbalindustries.Theseservicesarevitalinsupportingthe privatesectorandalsocontributingtothesocio-economictransformationofAfrica.

continuedonpage26

“

---Robin S. Baker, Esotericism With an Unconventional Soul: Exploring Philosophy, Spirituality, Science, and Mysticism

Eng.AnkeWeisheitatthenaturalmedicinal gardensexaminingspecimens

Uganda,ThePearlofAfrica

Asmanyofyoumayknow,myjourneytoUgandainDecember'23andJanuary'24wasn'tjusta typicaltrip.Itwasasoul-stirringmissiontoaplacewithincrediblebeautyandheartbreakingneed. Letmetakeyoubacktowhereitallbegan.

Itallstartedin2018whenIheardaboutBuniAlex,orasIliketocallhim,BrotherAlex.He'sapastor inasmallruralchurchinUganda,andhisstorytouchedmedeeply.Alexhadexperiencedbullying asachild,andoneday,aparticularlycruelincidentlefthimshattered.Abullyknockedhimdown andmockedhim,callinghimachimpanzee.Butinsteadoflettingthatdefinehim,Alexturnedto faithandprayer,seekingguidanceonnavigatinghislife.

FastforwardtothemomentwhenAlexstumbleduponabookaboutbullyingamidsttherubbleofa communityprojectinTanzania.Thatbooksparkedafireinhimtomakeadifference.Hereached outtotheauthor,Ms.MartyWard,whograciouslyallowedhimtoteachitslessonstochildrenand parentsinhisvillage.Thatsingleactofkindnesscreatedachainreactionofcompassionand empowerment.

ThroughMarty'sfoundation,IhadtheprivilegeofjoininghandswithAlexandotherstosupport theirworkinUganda.Fromsponsoringchildren'seducationtofundingwaterfiltrationprojectsand assistingfamiliesinneed,Itriedtomakeadifference,onesmallactofkindnessatatime.

Butin2021,thefoundationunexpectedlycloseditsdoorsasaresultofMarty'suntimelydeath, leavingmanyinthecommunitywithoutthesupporttheydesperatelyneeded.Icouldn'tbearto abandonthem,soIcontinuedtodowhatIcould,sponsoringchildrenandhelpingwithemergencies astheyarose.

ByJanuary2023,Ifoundmyselfsponsoringfourteenchildrenanddoingwhateverittooktoensure theyhadfoodonthetableandaccesstoessentialservices.ButIknewIcouldn'tdoitalone.That's whentheideaofcollaborationtookroot—acollectiveefforttocreatesustainablesolutionsand makealastingimpactinUgandaandbeyond.

Andso,armedwithdeterminationandaheartfullofhope,IembarkedonajourneytoUganawithith ateamofcollaboratorsreadyingthemselvesforanopportunitytosharewhattheyhavetoa coordinatedeffortofhumanitarianimpact.TogetherwithPastorAlexandanotherPastor,Stephen (hevolunteeredtoassistmeandtraveledfromTanzania),Ivisitedcommunitiesfarandwide, witnessingboththebreathtakingbeautyofthelandandthestarkrealitiesofpovertyandneed.

OutofAfrica HowPHARMBIOTRACCanChangetheWorld

byDavidJDunworth

I am genuinely excited to introduce colleagueswhoareliterallyonthecusp ofchangingtheplanet.Medically,thatis.

What do I mean? Specifically, the PHARMBIOTRACteamishardatwork identifying,growing,andprocessingthe ancient secrets of traditional, plantbased medicine into dosage formulas. Really. They are converting pure formulasofplantstoaddressuniformity indosage.ItraveledtoUgandatomeet withtheleadershiptolearnwhatthey areproducingthatbenbenefittheworld.

ThreeofPHARMBIOTRAC’Sleadership are on the right: Professor Dr. Robert Tamukong,Agri-EngineerAnkeWeisheit, andDr.CasimUmbaTolo(lefttoright)

IwasfortunatetomeetthemalongwithVice-ChancellorProfessorCelestinoObua(notpictured here) inDallas,Texas,atthe2023UgandaNorthAmericanAssociationConference.AsIhavebeen supportingchildreninUgandasince2018andamplanningtobringacollaborationofservicestothe country,itonlymadesensetoattendtheannualconference—averyfortunateturnofevents.

Becauseofmyintenttovisitdistantruralvillagesthroughoutthecountry,weimmediatelymadea notableconnection—thePHARMBIOTECprogramofeducatingmaster’sandPh.D.levelscientists thatwouldventureintothebushtoevaluate,performmedicaltestsfordiseaseandidentifypossible candidatestolearnthedispensationofthesenaturalremediesinpill,capsuleorsyrupforms.

IventuredtoUgandaduringthemonthsofDecember2023andJanuary2024.Meandmyteamfrom TAG4Change(acertifiedNGOinUganda)hadthepleasureofspendingafulldaywiththe leadershipoftheprogram,visitingthespeciallyformattedgardens(thereisasectionforeachregion ofUgandasospecificplantsandtheirvariancestoeachotherarea).Wetouredthelaboratories, witnessedseveralresearchactivities,werelecturedbyteamleadership,andenjoyedinformal meetingswithkeypersonnel.

Inadditiontonaturalmedicine,PHARMBIOTRACisalsoworkingonasocial-entrepreneurship model.Interestedandqualifiedcitizensareencouragedtoapplyforacceptanceintotheprogram.An innovativeideathatisfoundtobescalablewillthenqualifyforinitialfunding,assistancewith formulation,businessplanning,branding,marketing,andultimately,assistanceinlaunching.

LeadershipofPHARMBIOTRACexplainingsomeofthenuancesof indigenousplantsandwhatnaturalmedicinestheycanproduce.

TheteamofTAG4ChangelooksonasEngineerAnkeWeisheithighlightssomeoftheproducts fromthesocialentrepreneurshipdevelopmentprogramatPHARMBIOTRAC.

Eng.AnkeWeisheitinstructingtheTAG4ChangeteamandDr.CasimUmbaTolo(centerback)and ProfessorPatrickOgwangonthespecificonthemedicinalbenefitsandnutritivepowerofproductsdeveloped.

"Whereasanallopathicapproachseekscure(basedon someobjectivecriteria),anaturopathicapproach aimsforhealingwhichwillbebasedinlargepart onsubjective(thepatient's)criteria...apattern ofhealingthatincludesphysical,

emotional,andsocialfunctioning."

-ChristaLouise,PhD

AnEasternandSouthernAfricaHigherEducationCentersofExcellence

ProjectatMbararaUniversityofScienceandTechnology

(PHARMBIOTRAC), Mbarara University of Science & Technology (MUST), P. O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda Corresponding author:tolocas@must.ac.ug Abstract A regional approach to higher educationinAfricaoffersthebestwaytobuildandsustainexcellenceinhighereducationinAfrican economies, and to develop the human resources required to address key development challenges facing Africa. One of the critical development challenges facing Africa is a low life expectancy and productivitycomparedtoothercontinents,majorlyduetoahighburdenofbothcommunicableand non-communicable diseases, a situation made worse by inadequate yet expensive good quality drugs not easily accessed by the population. Yet Africa has a rich biodiversity that forms the continent’s natural wealth on which its social, cultural, and economic systems are based, and this is particularlytrueforeasternandsouthernAfricanregions.

Traditional Medicine (TM) and Traditional Medicine Knowledge (TMK) systems form part of this wealth but have not been science-driven to improve the region's quality of life and productivity. ApartfromTM,Africanbiodiversity hasenormous potentialtoproducemoderndrugssuchashighvalue biopharmaceuticals, but it has yet to be scientifically explored and developed. Biopharmaceuticals are therapeutics derived from biological or living organisms through pharmbiotechnology applications. While several other factors may contribute to the under-exploitation of TM, TMK systems, and the low application of pharm-biotechnology to biodiversity in Africa, the critical factor remains largely an inadequate number of scientists specializing in TM and pharmbiotechnology. To respond to this gap, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), through the World Bank’s African Centres of Excellence (ACE) initiative is creating, in the region, a unique framework by establishing “Pharm-Biotechnology and Traditional Medicine Centre” (PHARMBIOTRAC)tobuildcapacityintheregiontotrainandraiseacriticalmassofspecializedand skilled human capital that can use multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach to advance traditional medicine and pharm biotechnology. The specialists to be produced at this centre will be experts in critical areas, including reverse metabolomics, genomics, and proteomics (molecular characterization, structural elucidation, and modification of drug molecules or drug receptors) with the potential to spur drug discovery, and specialists in the production and use of high-value biopharmaceuticalsandTMproductsforuptakebypharmaceuticalandherbalmedicinesindustries intheregionandbeyond.Throughlinkingresearchandeducationtoindustry,theresearchoutputs and the graduates of PHARMBIOTRAC will be absorbed by the private sector industry to mass producehigh-value, science-driven TMproducts, andbiopharmaceuticals highlyneededfordisease controlandpreventionworldwide. Influence-Magazine.Today

HelpingBritishColumbia’s healthsectordigitizeand automateCOVID-19data

Respondingtoconstituents’questionsregarding their health and safety is a top priority for governmentagenciesaroundtheworld.Drawing upon a long-term partnership with the British Columbia Ministry of Health, CGI collaborated with Google and five provincial government agencies to rapidly develop an AI-driven chatbot leveragingGoogleDialogFlowinjust2weeks. The result: The AI solution interprets and answers citizens’ questions using natural language processing (NLP) and provides incontextdecision-support forhealthworkers.The solution immediately streamlined and reduced the volume of queries on the Healthlink 811 call line by giving a single source of information through an AI channel. This solution has been extended across the British Columbia health sector, such as with an AI virtual agent that includesalivehandofftoanurse,aswellaswith adigitalscribethatrecordsthevirtualtranscript aspartofthepatientfile.

Providinganimmediateresponse

British Columbia health and government executives quickly mobilized to discuss and implement a Google Cloud AI solution to help the province best respond to the pandemic as well as ongoing health system solutions postpandemic.Aspartofthesediscussions,leaders broughtinCGIexpertswhoareseasonedinsuchareasasdataanalytics,machinelearning,artificial intelligence (AI) and epidemiology. While discussing strategies to create various data dashboards to track and predict the spread of the virus, the conversation turned to ideas for how to manage the volume of calls and long wait times for the province’s 811 health helpline. Quickly, a solution was born: Develop a chatbot that helps triage questions, directing constituents to the right services and answeringpressingquestionsinamatterofseconds.

FemaleTrailblazersofAmericanHerbalism

Courtesy:

https://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/blogs

Usingplantsformedicinalpurposesisoneoftheoldest aroundtheworld,throughoutthousandsofyearsofhumanhistory,herbalismtodayisbuilton generationsofpracticalandanecdotalwisdom.Andwomenarelargelytothankasstewardsofthis ancestralknowledge.

HerbalisminAmericaisaneclectictapestry,woventogetherbythehistoriesandtraditionsofall thosewhohavecometoliveonthisland.Aswomencaredfortheirneighborsandkin,andthey begantolearntheland,exchangeoccurred—anexchangeofcultureandknowledge.Asthese ancestralkeepersofherbalwisdomsharedseedsandpassedalongstoriesaboutkeepingtheir communitieswell,anewlineageofherbaltrailblazerswasborn.

Hereisasnapshotofjustsomeofourherbalforemothers.Foradeeperdiveintothewomenacross timeandplacethathavecontributedtothisfield,seetheresourcessectionattheendofthearticle.

EarlyDays

Excerpt from the Grant Application Paper by Dr. Casim Umba Tolo

Africahasarichbiodiversitythatformsthe continent’snaturalwealthonwhichitssocial, cultural,andeconomicsystemsareprimarily based.Yet,Africastillhasalowlifeexpectancy andeconomicproductivitycomparedtoother continents.Thisismajorlyduetoahighburden of infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV, tuberculosis,etc.,andnowalsorisingcasesof non-communicablediseases,hencecausinga dual health challenge. Non-communicable diseases such as cancers, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, obesity, and chronic respiratorydiseasearebecomingrampantkiller diseases and are predicted to overtake infectiousdiseasesinthenearfuture.

Thissituationismadeworsebyinadequateyet expensive drugs, and even where drugs are available,counterfeitdrugscontinuetoflood the market, with up to 35% of antimalarial drugsaccessedbythepopulationreportedas beingcounterfeitproducts.However,forages, Traditional Medicine (TM) and Traditional Medicine Knowledge (TMK) systems have formedpartofAfrica’swealthbuthavenotbeen science-driventoimprovequalityoflifeand productivity in the region (e.g., Ogwang et al.,2008;Weathersetal.,2014;Ogwangetal., 2015).ApartfromTMandTMK, Africa’sbiodiversityhasenormouspotentialto producemoderndrugssuchashigh-value

biopharmaceuticals, but it has not been scientificallyexploredwidelyanddeveloped.In addition, very little work has been done to clinicallyvalidateTMandTMK.

The lack of clinical evidence creates a huge knowledgegapthatlimitsitsusebybiomedical healthpractitioners.This,inturn,limitspotential investment in TM-related drug discovery and product development by the private industry. Whileseveralotherfactorsmaybecontributingto under-exploitationofTMandTMKsystemsand lowapplicationofpharm-biotechnologyinAfrica, the key factors remain inadequate number of scientists specialized in TM and pharmbiotechnology, lack of multi-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary research teams, lack of appropriate equipment and skills, lack of specialized training in the region to raise the critical mass of scientists in TM and pharmbiotechnology,poorlinkageswithprivatesector and non-involvement of TMK holders in the trainingandresearchprograms.Toaddressthe abovechallenges,

MbararaUniversityofScienceandTechnology (MUST), through the World Bank’s African CentersofExcellence(ACE)initiative,iscreating, intheregion,auniqueframeworktoproduce specializedandhighlyskilledgraduates(Goddard andChatterton,2003)thatwillexploittherich floraandfaunatodevelophigh-valuescience-

continuedonpage20

drivenTMproductsandbiopharmaceuticalstoaddressnotonlythedevelopmentchallengesof Africabutalsotopreservethelocalbiodiversity.TheACEwillcreateaconduciveandenabling environmentforcurriculumreviewanddevelopmenttocreatespecializationonscience-drivenTM andpharm-biotechnologytraining,research,andproductdevelopmentatthepostgraduatelevel. Equippedwithstate-of-the-artequipment,thePharm-BioTechnologyandTraditionalMedicine

Centre(PHARMBIOTRAC)willbetheregion’scenterofexcellence(ArboandBenneworth,2007; Salmietal.,2016)inscience-drivenTMandPharmbiotechnology.

Thecentre willspecialize insystematic identification, documentation, mapping, conservation, commercialization,harvesting,extraction,isolation,characterization,structuralelucidationand modificationofactivemoleculesfromplantsandotherlifeformsfortheproductionofhigh-value science-drivenTMandbiopharmaceuticalproductsforuptakebypharmaceuticalandherbal medicinesindustriesintheregion.

ThemainobjectiveofPHARMBIOTRACistobuildacriticalmassofspecializedandskilledhuman resourcesthatcanadvancetraditionalmedicineandPharm-Biotechnologyforthesocio-economic developmentofAfrica.Thespecificobjectivesareto:i.Strengthencapacityintheregiontotrain highlyskilledandspecializedprofessionalsintraditionalmedicineandBio-pharmaceuticals;ii.

Strengthencapacityintheregiontoengageincutting-edgeresearchinTMandsystemsbiologyfor healthproductsdevelopment,iii.Createcapacityincollaborationwithprivatesectorindustryfor developing, producing, and commercializing TM, biopharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals from researchoutputs;iv.AdvancethepracticesofTM/TMKintheregionandpromotedomesticationand sustainableutilizationofmedicinalspecies.

OperationalizationofPHARMBIOTRAC

MbararaUniversityofScienceandTechnology(MUST)ismandatedtoteachbothundergraduate andgraduateprograms(MScandPh.D.),aswellasshortcourses.TheUniversityalsopromotesthe transfer of scientific knowledge and innovations to the community for sustainable societal transformation.PHARMBIOTRACwillattractmultidisciplinarystudentsfromtheregion,including botanists, biochemists, chemists, pharmacologists, engineers, pharmacologists, pharmacists, microbiologists, biotechnologists, entrepreneurs, and train them through transdisciplinary approachestobuildteamsforjointprojectsandenterprises.PHARMBIOTRACwillusescientific methodstoimproveTMproductsandtoidentifyactivemoleculesthatcanbedevelopedinto biopharmaceuticals.Toachieveitsgoal,PHARMBIOTRACwillaugmentitsexistingteachingfaculty byattractingandrecruitingspecialisthands-onscientistsandpractitionersfromtheregionand mentoringthemincollaborationwithprofessorsfrompartneruniversitiesintheUSA,India,and South Africa. The centre, through the transdisciplinary approach of graduate training and specializationwillsupportthedevelopmentofscience-drivenTMproductsandbiopharmaceuticals, leadingtotheircommercialproductionintheregionbyprivatesectorindustries.Throughlinkingof researchandeducationtoindustry,theresearchoutputsandthegraduateswillbeabsorbedbythe privatesectorindustrytomassproducehigh-valuescience-drivenTMproducts(e.g.Weathersetal.,

2014;Ogwangetal.,2015))andbiopharmaceuticals which are highly needed for disease control and preventionworldwide.

The application of Pharm-biotechnology, particularly systems biology, will spur drug discovery, which in turn would lead to the production of biopharmaceuticals for national, regional,andinternationalmarkets Inadditionto the biopharmaceutical industry, the graduates of PHARMBIOTRACwillserveasfacultiesinpartner universitiesandotherorganizationsintheregionto trainmorespecialistsinTMandbiopharmaceuticals

Over the project period of five years, PHARMBIOTRAC is envisioned to have some significantoutputs,notleastproducingspecialized and highly skilled graduates who can contribute positively to validating the efficacy of TM with clinicalevidence.

ThisisexpectedtopromoteuseofTMbybiomedical healthpractitioners,leadingtopotentialinvestment in TM related drug discovery and products developmentbytheprivatepharmaceuticalindustry, henceimprovingqualityoflifeandproductivityof thepeopleintheregion.Table1providessummaryof the expected results of PHARMBIOTRAC and anticipatedimpacts.

continuedfrompage18

Europe’sFolkHerbalists&

ColonialMassachusetts’

“Witches”

DuringtheDarkAgesinEurope,mostpeople hadtorelyontheirlocalcommunity,usually folkhealerswithnoformaltraining,totakecare oftheirhealth Themidwifetraditionemerged asawayforwomentocarefortheirfamiliesand neighbors,andsharethegenerationsofherbal knowledgeButtodothisintheWesternWorld riskedsocialandreligiouspersecutionbecause women ’ s roles were heavily regulated by a church that condemned the pagan herbal practicesofthepast.HildegardevonBingen,a 12thcenturyBenedictineabbess,dedicatedhalf herlifetosharingherrevolutionarymusings aroundviriditas,or“theenergyofthegreen.”

Her teachings laid the groundwork for TraditionalEuropeanHerbalMedicine,leading manyhistorianstoconsiderheroneofthemost significantscientistsofMedievalEurope.Many oftheseherbalremediescanbefoundinher book,LiberSimplicisMedicine

Five-hundred years later in 1692, the Salem Witch Trials of Colonial Massachusetts were based on much of the same suspicion, dismissingwomenwhocommunedwithspirit andinteractedwithnatureas“practicingthe Devil’s Magic” While the local government pardoned these women, and the trials were declaredunlawfulin1702,19people mostly women werecondemnedtodeathbyhanging, and200wereaccusedofwitchcraft By1708, Nicholas Culpepper’s English Physician was published in America, offering puritan communitiesoftheNewWorldgreaterinsight into plant medicine, while likely dismissing somesuspicionsaroundit

continuedonpage23

continuedfrompage22

NativeandSlaveWomenintheEraof“TheNewWorld”

WhenEuropeansfirstbegansettlingtheAmericas,theyreliedontheplantwisdomoftheindigenous peoples,particularlywomen,whohadthetaskofidentifyingandcollectingherbsandcaringfor theirfamilies,whethertheyweredesignatedmedicinewomenorthewivesofmedicinemen.From the17thto19thcenturies,themedicineofNativeAmericanwomenandAfrican-Americanslave womenhadprovedoftenmoreadvancedthanEuropeanherbalism,teachingEuropeanimmigrants, Africanslaves,andlater,the19th-centuryEclectics,aboutaholisticandspiritualapproachto wellness.

Althoughmanyslaveownersforbadethepracticeofherbalism,thoughttobe“thedevil’swork,”the slavecommunitiesoftheAntebellumSouthbenefittedfrom“grannies.”Thesefemaleherbalhealers basedtheirpracticesonancestralAfricantraditions,whilereadilyexperimentingandcollaborating with Native Americans to find herbal counterparts in the New World. As Native and slave communities were discouraged or forbidden from reading and writing, the oral tradition of herbalismbecamemorecriticaltoitssurvival.HarrietTubmanissaidtohaveusedherbalmedicine forkeepingescapingslaveshealthyontheUndergroundRailroad,aswellasonUnionsoldiersin fieldhospitalsduringtheCivilWar.

WomenoftheHerbalRenaissance

Fortunately,muchhaschangedinthelasthundredyears,andAmericanwomenofallcolorsand beliefsarenowpracticingherbalismunafraidandintheopen.Butuntilthe1960sand1970s,the craftofherbalismwasindangerofbeinglost.Thecountercultureandback-to-the-landmovements ofthetimechallengedthisthinkingandpavedthewayfortheHerbalRenaissance,thanksinpartto

continued on page 24

continuedfrompage23

herbalists like Nancy Philipps, Deb Soule, Margi Flint and Rosemary Gladstar, “the Godmother of American Herbalism.” In addition to co-founding Traditional Medicinals, Rosemary also founded theCalifornia SchoolofHerbalStudies—thefirstherbschoolintheUnitedStates,theInternational HerbSymposium,andUnitedPlantSavers,whileauthoring13books.Thesewomenhavementoreda wholenewgenerationofherbalistsandactivists.

TheNextGenerationofHerbalists

PerhapsthemostenduringgiftofthewomenoftheHerbalRenaissanceisthenewgenerationof herbalists—ofallcolorsandcreeds—whoarefindingwaysofmakingherbalismmoreapproachable. Thisnewgenerationoffemaleherbalistshasfoundednonprofits,companies,wellnesscenters,and blogs,teachingherbalismwithmodernrelevance.Tonameafewcontemporarytrailblazers:the HerbalistaFreeClinicbringsunderservedcommunitiesherbalhealthcareonbuses,TheKosmic Kitchenteachespreventativecarethroughtheincorporationofherbsintodailycooking,Angelique “Sobande”GreerfoundedthefirstAfrican-Americanschoolofherbalism,LindaBlackElkteacheson ethnobotanyandrestorationecology,andcuranderaTonitaGonzalesisre-introducingtraditional herbalsweatlodgepracticesinNewMexico.

Asnewsciencecatchesupwitholdwisdom,folkherbalismwillcontinuetoproveitsrelevancy. America’sherballegacycontinuestoflourishandgainlegitimacyinthe21stcenturyasancient practiceslikeAyurvedicandTraditionalChineseMedicinehavebeguntoappearinmainstream

continuedonpage25

FemaleTrailblazersofAmericanHerbalism

continuedfrompage24

medicine, and other herbal traditions from around the world are finally taking root. Today, herbs in America are a thriving business with growing public interest. We salute and thank the medicine women, midwives, and home practitioners of our past who have kept the tenets ofplantmedicinealive.

DiveDeeper

For a historical perspective from some of our favorite female authors, check out our Herbalist’sLibrary

Interested in learning from some of the best women herbal practitioners across the country? Here are some herbal symposiums togetyoustarted:

TheInternationalHerbSymposium

Northern California Women’s Herbal Symposium

Southeast Wise Women Herbal Conference

FemaleTrailblazersofAmericanHerbalism

ExtractionandFractionationofBioactivecompounds

The Mbarara University Pharmaceutical Chemistry/Analysis and Research Laboratory (MUPCARL) is a citadel of learning, skills acquisition, and drug analysis/development.Thelaboratoryiscapableofextractingmoleculesintheir crudeformfromnaturalsourcesusingvarioustechniquesincludingthesoxhlate extractionprocess,steamdistillation,andingestion,tomentionafew.Thestate-of-art equipmentishighlyusefulinconcentratingtheextractstotheirrespectivepowdered formandtheycanbelyophilizeduptothetimeofusewithoutalteringthechemical composition.

Apartfromanalyzingthecrudedrugsthroughtheidentificationofvariouschemical groups.Thelaboratoryisintotheisolationofactivecomponentsfromcrudedrugs eitherbytargetingamoleculeorthroughactivity-directedpurificationandwiththe state-of-the-artequipmentintheMUPCARLthepuritycanquicklybeascertained.In addition,theequipmentincludingFourierTransformInfrared,HighPerformance LiquidChromatography,andUltraviolet-visiblespectrophotometerareusefulfor identifyingsomefunctionalgroups,quantifyingtheactivebiomarkers,orobtaininga reproduciblefingerprint.

continuedfrompage 26

Dr. Ajayi Clement Olusoji (PHARMBIOTRAC Senior Research Fellow), imparting knowledge to MUST students. The laboratory in its state is capable of developing and validating methods for natural product analysis and it is a reputable laboratory where new and/or modified methods can be developed. In addition, drug characters that are newly developed are assessed in MUPCARL to establish how they behave as part of the assayrequiredfortheirnotificationbytheNationalDrug Authority

Conclusion

ThePharm-BiotechnologyandTraditional MedicineCentre,ACEII,atMbarara UniversityofScienceandTechnology, standsasatestamenttothetransformative powerofinterdisciplinaryresearch.

Byblendingtheancientwisdomof traditionalmedicinewiththeprecisionof biotechnology,PHARMBIOTRACis contributingtoaneweraofhealthcare innovation,promisingahealthierand moreharmoniousfutureforcommunities inUgandaandbeyond

EmbracingKingdomBusiness-AGuidetoInfusing FaithintoWorkplaceCulture

byDavidJDunworth

Intoday'sfast-pacedandcompetitivebusiness world,thereisagrowingrecognitionoftheneed foramoreprofoundsenseofpurposeand meaningbeyondprofitmarginsandmarket share.FormanyChristianentrepreneursand businessowners,thisquestforsignificancehas led to a transformative journey towards embracingKingdomBusiness aparadigmshift thatplacestheultimateauthorityofJesusand God at the center of corporate ethos and practices Inthisessay,wewillexplorethe fundamental principles and strategies for transitioning from a conventional Christian businesstoaKingdomBusiness,whereministry within the workplace becomes a powerful vehicle for personal and collective transformation

UnderstandingKingdomBusiness-Atitscore, KingdomBusinessisaboutintegratingfaithinto businessoperationsandaligningeveryaspectof the organization with God's purposes and principlesItrecognizestheultimateauthority ofJesusandGodinthecompany,withdecisionmaking guided by biblical values and convictions.

continuedonpage29

continuedfrompage28 Embracing

GlorifyingGodThroughBusinessActivitiesCentraltotheconceptofKingdomBusinessis thebeliefthatbusinessendeavorscanbeaform of worship, with every transaction and interactionservingasanopportunitytoglorify God.Whetherdeliveringexceptionalcustomer service, conducting fair and ethical business practices, or stewarding resources wisely, Kingdom-mindedentrepreneursseektohonor Godinalltheydo.

Integration of Faith in Business PracticesTransitioningtoaKingdomBusinessinvolves morethanaddingaBibleversetocompany letterheads.Itrequiresaholisticapproachto integratingfaithintoeveryaspectofoperations, from HR policies and employee training to marketingstrategiesandproductdevelopment. Byinfusingbiblicalprinciplessuchasintegrity, compassion, and servant leadership into the organization'sfabric,businessescancreatea culturewherefaithandworkareseamlessly intertwined.

Kingdom Work and Ministry Overtaking Business Focus - One of the defining characteristics of a Kingdom Business is its commitment to advancing God's kingdom agendabeyondtheconfinesoftheboardroom..

his means prioritizing ministry within the workplace,whereemployeesareencouragedto liveouttheirfaithauthenticallyandsharethe loveofChristwithcolleaguesandclientsalike. As ministry overtakes business focus, companies become catalysts for spiritual revival and social transformation in their communities.

DisplayingGod'sLoveinBusinessInteractions -KingdomBusinessesexemplifyGod'sloveand graceintheirdealingswithothersinaworld often characterized by cutthroat competition and self-serving interests. Whether offering forgivenesstoadisgruntledcustomer,helpinga strugglingcolleague,orinvestingincommunity developmentprojects,thesebusinessesbecome beaconsoflightinadarkenedmarketplace.

Personal

TransformationThrough

Workplace Environment- Themostprofoundimpactof embracing Kingdom Business is its transformation in employees' lives. As individuals experience the love and truth of Christintheworkplace,theyundergoaprocess of spiritual growth and maturity that transcendsprofessionalsuccess.Relationships deepen, character is refined, and purpose is rediscovered,leadingtoamorefulfillingand purpose-drivenlife.

continuedfrompage29

EmotionalImpactofMinistry-FocusedBusiness-Operatingaministry-focusedbusinesscannotbe overstatedForemployeesandleadersalike,thesenseoffulfillmentandsatisfactionderivedfrom knowingthattheirworkismakinganeternaldifferenceisimmeasurable Itfostersasenseof belongingandcamaraderiethattranscendsthetypicalemployer-employeedynamic,creatinga supportiveandupliftingworkenvironment

Tosummarize,transitioningfromabusinessthatismerelyChristiantoaKingdomBusinessisnota merechangeinstrategyorbranding it'saprofoundshiftinmindsetandmissionByembracing theultimateauthorityofJesusandGodinthecompany,glorifyingGodthroughbusinessactivities, integratingfaithintobusinesspractices,prioritizingKingdomwork,displayingGod'slovein businessinteractions,fosteringpersonaltransformation,andallowingtheministrytoovertake business focus, entrepreneurs and business owners can unleash the full potential of their organizationstoimpactlivesandadvanceGod'skingdomagendainthemarketplaceandbeyond

On November 16, 2022, Prof. Ogwang won an innovative research award from Global Peace Foundation because of his outstanding commitment to fightCovid-19Pandemicusingindigenousknowledgeandherbalmedicine. Together with partners in Uganda, Global Peace Foundation conducted a countrywide survey and Prof. Ogwang Patrick was identified and recommendedasanauthorityinresearchandinnovation.Hewasawarded during the National Dialogue on Sustainable Future which took place on November16,2022atImperialRoyaleHotelKampala.Prof.OgwangPatrick isaninventorofCOVIDEX,anaturalherbalforsupportivetreatmentinthe management of viral infections (Covid-19) under his Jena Herbals Uganda Ltd. He is an Associate Professor of Pharmacy in the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, a Medical Researcher, Entrepreneur and Executive Chairman of Jena Herbals Uganda Limited.Heis also theimmediatePastPresidentof the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda, a body that governs pharmacistsandtheirpracticesinUganda.Prof.Ogwang’sresearchfocusis on testing, developing and producing medicines from plants based on traditionalmedicine,knowledgeandscientificlaboratoryevidence.

continuedfrompage11

UgandaThePearl

Eachcommunitywevisitedhaditsownchallenges,fromlackofcleanwater,lackofelectricity,no sanitation,poorfarmingtechniques,andschoolsmadeofmudhutsorbarnboards.Butamidstthe

anycountry peopleescaped poverty,only barely countrythatcaresWhataiddoesmakeitpastthethieves,scoundrels,andwarlords(andagoodpart ofgovernments)islittletoimpactthehungerandlack.

continuedonpage34

continued from page 33

Uganda The Pearl

Inthefaceofsuchadversity,itwashearteningtowitnessthesecommunities'incredibleresilience andsolidarityastheybandedtogethertorebuildtheirlivesandsupportoneanotherinneed.From thebustremotevillagesoftheKaramojaregiontothewesternborderofDRC,wewerereminded timeandagainoftheprofoundinterconnectednessofhumanityandtheimportanceofstandingin solidaritywiththoseinneed.

OurjourneythroughUgandawasavoyageofdiscoveryandacalltoaction.Astheonlywesterner,I marveledatthecountry'snaturalwondersandembraceditsrichculturalheritage.However, we wereconfrontedwiththestarkrealitiesofpoverty,inequality,andinjusticethatpersistinmany cornersoftheglobe.

Asglobalcitizens,wemustheedthecallofthosewhosevoicesareoftenunheardandwhose strugglesarefrequentlyoverlooked.Wecanhelpcreateamorejustandequitableworldforallby amplifyingtheirstoriesandadvocatingformeaningfulchange.

Ultimately,ourjourneythroughUgandaleftanindeliblemarkonmyheart,ignitingaflameof compassionandcommitmenttoservicethatwillguidemyactionsforyearstocome.Aswecontinue ourquestforabettertomorrow,mayweneverforgetthelessonslearnedandthebondsforged amidstthebeautyandneedofthisremarkableland.

Formoreinformationandachancetogetinvolved,reachouttomebycalling877-977-4115.Leavea detailedmessageandIwillreturnyourcall.

PastorAlex’smotherandI,standingoutsidehermudhomeshehaslivedinallhermarriedlife AlexBunigrewuphere,onthebanksoftheNileRiver SheisMommatomeandPastorAlex

Meetingwithcommunitiesbothlargeandsmall Wemanagedtoheareverywomanandmandescribe thepovertythatexistsintheircommunityandwhatwouldmaketheirlivesimprove

Avillagerisadvocatingforhergrandchildrentohavetheopportunitytoattendschool.Schoolfeesaretotallyoutofthequestion,asshesellsbananasandmangosto supportherfamilyofseven. Boththesonanddaughterhavediedofdisease,leavingherwithchild-rearingresponsibilitieswithoutanyothersupport.

SalvyAnderson(aTAG4Changeadvisor)andImeetingwiththeleadershipoftheRotaryClubofJinja discussingtheirsupportoftheJinjaSchoolfortheBlind

SalvyAndersonAddressingtheRotaryClubofJinjaattheJanuary2024meeting.

PastorsBuniAlex(center)andStephenHosea(right)joinme aswelistentoPastorGideonPreachthegospel.

OverinflatedEgos:AStorytoLearnFrom

Imagine: You're in a meeting, and your boss turns to you with a smile and says, "Your professionalism is outstanding." Sounds like a compliment, right? Well, hold on a second. What if underneath that smile, there's a hint of superiority? What if that compliment isn't as friendly as it seems?

See,here'sthethingaboutleaderswithbigegos–theysometimesdon'trealizewhenthey're being,well,abitarrogant.They'lltossoutphraseslike,"Withmoreexperience,you'llperfectly graspwhatI'msaying,"or"Yourambitionisremarkable,givenyourbackground."Atfirst glance,theymightsoundencouraging.Butdigalittledeeper,andyou'llfindasubtlesting hiddenwithin.Mygrandfatherusedtocallthosetypesofcomments,“Left-Handedones.”

Thesekindsofcomments,oftencalled"backhandedcompliments"or"microaggressions,"are likesneakylittlejabsdisguisedaspraise.They'renotalwaysmeanttohurtbutcanstillleavea mark.Andhere'sthekicker–thepersonsayingthemmightnotevenrealizethey'redoing anythingwrong.

Take,forexample,abosstellingyou,"Youdidexceptionallywell,consideringyourlimited preptime."Onthesurface,itmightseemliketheyacknowledgeyourhardwork.Butread betweenthelines,andyoumighthear,"Youdidprettygood,consideringyoudidn'thave muchtimetoprepare–butlet'sbereal,itcould'vebeenbetter."

Now,don'tgetmewrong.I'mnotsayingeveryleaderwhodishesoutthesecomplimentsisa villain.Often,it'sjustacaseofmisguidedgoodintentions.They'retryingtobenicebutendup puttingtheirfootinitinstead.

So,howdowefixthis?Simple–leadersneedtochecktheiregosatthedoorandtreat everyonewithrespect,regardlessofrankorexperience.Insteadoftalkingdowntopeople, theyshouldliftthem.Insteadoffocusingonstatus,theyshouldfocusonmerit.

Whenleadersditchtheegoandembraceequality,themagichappens.Nomoresneakyjabs disguisedascompliments.Justgenuinepraiseandmutualrespectallaround.

Themoralofthestory?Eventhebestintentionscangoawryifegogetsintheway.So,leaders, let'sleavethebackhandedcomplimentsbehindandfocusonbuildingeachotherupinstead. Afterall,there'snoroomforsneakyjabsinateamaimingforsuccess.

"DaretoDreamBig:Neuroscience's InfluenceonImagination"

by David J Dunworth

Neuroscienceandcontentcreationcanprofoundlyimpactaperson'simagination.Visualstimuli, storytelling techniques, and engaging content can stimulate the imagination, encouraging individualstoexplorenewideas,scenarios,andpossibilities.Bytappingintothebrain'smental imageryandcreativitycapacity,well-craftedcontentcansparktheimagination,fuelingcuriosity andinspiringinnovativethinking.

Moreover,neuroscienceprovidesinsightsintohowthebrainprocessesinformationandforms mentalrepresentationsthatcaninformstrategiesforenhancingimagination.Understandingthe neuralmechanismsunderlyingimaginationcanhelpcontentcreatorsdesignexperiencesthat activatethebrain'simaginationnetworks,fosteringimaginativethinkingandcognitiveflexibility.

Throughthestrategicuseofvisuals,storytelling,andinteractiveelements,contentcaninvite individuals to envision alternate realities, problem-solve creatively, and envision bold new possibilitiesforthefuture.

continuedfrompage42

Neuroscienceistheinterdisciplinarystudyof the nervous system, which delves into the complexities of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheralnervestounravelthemysteriesof themind.Itexploresthestructureandfunction of neurons, investigating how they communicatethroughelectricalandchemical signals.

Bymappingneuralcircuitsandnetworksand correlating brain anatomy with cognitive processes using advanced neuroimaging techniques, neuroscience sheds light on phenomena like perception, memory, and decision-making.

With subfields like cognitive neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, and clinical neuroscience, the field spans from understandinghigher-ordercognitivefunctions to diagnosing and treating neurological disorders.

Recent advancements, fueled by interdisciplinary collaboration and cuttingedgetechnology,havepropelledneuroscience forward,offeringinsightsintobrainhealthand pavingthewayforinnovativetreatments.In essence, neuroscience provides a fascinating journeyintotheinnerworkingsofthehuman mind,withtheultimategoalofimprovingbrain health and enhancing the quality of life for individualsworldwide.

Oneofthefascinatingaspectsofthesubjectthat captivatesresearchersandenthusiastsalikeis thebrain'sremarkableabilitytoprocessvisual information and its profound impact on cognition.Ourbrainsarewiredtointerpretand derivemeaningfromthevisualstimuli

continuedonpage47

continuedfrompage43

DaretoDreamBig...

surrounding us, whether it's the vibrant hues of a sunset, the intricate patterns of a painting, or the complexdiagramsofascientificpresentation.

"Visionisbyfarourmostdominantsense,takingup halfofourbrain’sresources.Forthisreason, well-designedvisualmessagesholdincredible powertoinform,educate,andinspire."

-JohnMedina,neuroscientistandauthorof"BrainRules"

Attheheartofthiscognitivemarvelliesthebrain'sintricateneuralnetwork,comprisedofbillionsof neuronsandsynapses.Theseneuralconnectionsformthefoundationofourperception,enablingus toprocess,analyze,andmakesenseoftheworldaroundus.

continuedonpage48

CapturingandHoldingYourAudience’sAttention

byDavidJDunworth

Thepowertocaptureandholdattentionisakintohavingabeaconamiddarkness.Whenwielded correctly,thispowercanguide,inspire,andelevatebothoneselfandthosewhoengagewithyou.

Attheheartofeveryprofoundinteractionliesastory.Intrinsicallyhumaninnature,storiesarethe tapestryuponwhichourexperiences,lessons,andaspirationsarewoven.

Likemany,myjourneybeganinaplaceofvulnerabilityanduncertainty.

It’swithinthesestoriesthatwefindacommonground.Thismutualunderstandingtranscendsthe barriersoflanguage,culture,andexperience.

Icarefullytailormypresentationtoalignwithmyaudience,infusingitwithpersonalanecdotesor storiesthatdeeplyresonatewiththem.Ifirmlybelievethatthroughstorytelling,weengageour listenersandinvitethemtointrospect.Bydoingso,theycandrawparallelsintheirownlives, leadingtoaricherunderstandingandfindingpersonalsignificanceinthemessagepresented.

continuedfrompage46

Iwasbookedtodoakeynoteattheannual conferenceofanationalfirm’sMentalHealth Practitioner partners. I was speaking on the subjectofMarketingtogrowtheirpractices.So, Idugdeepintomystoryvaultandsettledona storyaboutmyself.Thestorywasdeliveredto underscore howIcanrelatetotheirpatient group.

Imagine,foramoment,alittlefive-yearoldboy.He’swearingasadface,hiseyes tearful,andhismouthturneddowninto afrownofdespair.Momisatthekitchen sink clearing up the breakfast dishes. Thislittleboyisstandinginthesmall kitchenofhisupstairsapartment,staring athismother’sback.

Thethoughtsheistryingtogathercoherently seemincapableofbeingexpressedatfirst,but afteramomentortwo,heblurtsout:“Momma, I’mrunningawayfromhome.”Hismotherturns suddenly,lookslovinglydownathim,andsays, “What’s wrong, little one?” Her posture instinctivelygoesfromstandingtocrouching, face-to-facewithherson.

“I’mnothappyhere,soIwanttolivesomeplace else,”heslowlyandtentativelymutters.Mom responds,“Pleasetellmewhat’swrong,honey.” Shelooksathistearfulfaceandgentlywipesthe tearsfromhischeeks.

“Daddydoesn’tlikeusandalwaysshoutsatyou andme.”Itmakesmeshakeeverytimehedoes that.Thenheslamsthedoorandgoestowork.I onlyfeelgoodwhenhe’sgone.”Momisstunned yetalltoofamiliarwithwhatthischerubshares withher.Herheartisbreaking.

continuedonpage48

continuedfrompage43

Whenweencountervisualstimuli,suchasimages, videos,ordiagrams,ourbrain'svisualprocessing centersspringintoaction,decodingandintegrating thevisualinformationwithourexistingknowledge andexperiences.

However, the power of visual stimuli extends beyond mere perception. It's been found that imagesandvisualmaterialshavetheuniqueability to broaden our thought processes, enhancing creativity, problem-solving, and cognitive flexibility.Howdoesthishappen?Well,whenwe engagewithvisualmaterials,multipleregionsof thebrainbecomeactivesimultaneously.

It'slikeasymphonyofneuralactivity,withdifferent brainareasharmonizingtoprocessandinterpret thevisualinformation.

One key mechanism behind this cognitive expansion is the formation of mental imagery.

Visualizing objects, scenes, or concepts creates mental representations that enhance our understandingandretentionofinformation.Think ofitaspaintingamentalpicture–byvisualizinga complexideaorproblem,wecanbreakitdowninto more manageable components and explore differentperspectives

Butit'snotjustaboutseeingwithourmind'seye; visualmaterialsalsoevokeemotionalresponsesthat influenceourcognitiveprocessing.Imageshavethe powertostirupemotions,whetherit'sawe,curiosity, empathy, or nostalgia. These emotional reactions can shape our attitudes, beliefs, and decisionmaking, adding another layer of depth to our cognitiveexperience.

Moreover, visual materials serve as potent communication tools, facilitating the exchange of ideasandfosteringcollaboration.Fromchartsand

graphstoinfographicsandpresentations,visual aids help convey complex information more effectively, making it easier for individuals to understand and engage withthe content. Visual presentations also tap into non-verbal communication,allowingforexpressingabstract conceptsandbridgingcommunicationbarriers. Thebrain'sabilitytoprocessvisualinformationisa marvel of cognitive evolution, enriching our understanding of the world and enhancing our cognitivecapabilities.Byharnessingthepowerof visualstimuli,wecanunlocknewpathwaysfor learning,problem-solving,andinnovation.So,the nexttimeyouencounteracaptivatingimageor visualmaterial,takeamomenttoappreciatethe intricatedanceofneuralactivitybehindthescenes andembracetheendlesspossibilitiesitholdsfor expandingyourmind.

When creating content, leveraging the brain's inherent affinity for visual stimuli is essential. Incorporating images, infographics, videos, and othervisualmaterialscanenhanceyouraudience's engagement, comprehension, and retention. By appealingtothebrain'sdominantsenseofvision, you can convey complex information more effectively, foster emotional connections, and facilitatemoreprofoundunderstandingandrecall. Additionally, consider adopting a multidimensional approach that integrates neuroscience insights with best communication andstorytellingpractices.Understandinghowthe brain processes information, learns, and makes decisionscaninformyourcontentstrategy,guiding theselectionofmessaging,visuals,andinteractive elementsthatresonatewithyouraudience'sneural circuitry.Bycombiningscientificprincipleswith creative ingenuity, you can create content that captivates,educates,andinspires,leavingalasting impactonyouraudience'sminds.

continuedfrompage46

Audeince’sAttention

“Isthereanythingelseyouwanttotellme?” Momsoftlyinquires.“IfDaddyisgoingtolive here,Iamleavingnow.Youcancometooifyou wantto.”Momslowlybeginstostandupasshe holdsbothofherchild’shands.Sheislooking downathimnow,notsurewhattosay.Nothing seemsgoodenoughofaresponsetorepairthe pain and hurt both she and her son are experiencing.

Finally,aftersomethought,shesays,“Well,if you are going to run away from home, you better take some cookies with you for the journey.”Slowly,sheturnstowardthekitchen cabinet housing his favorite treats. “But you know the rules, don’t you?” She inquires. “UnlessMommyorDaddyarewithyou,you cannotleavetheporch.”

Theboylooksathisdearmotherinagazeof disappointment and says, “Yes, I know.” She giveshimahandfuloffigbarsintohishands. Heturnsslowlytowardtheapartmentdoorand stepsintotheshorthallway.Thestepsdownto thefirstfloorarebeforehim,andheisstruck withindecision.Momsaystohimasheheads outthedoor,“Iloveyouandwillmissyou.CanI comeandvisitsometimes?”Sure,thatwouldbe nice,hereplies.”

Ourlittletravelerhearsthedoorclosebehind him,stilluncertainofhisnextaction.Hismind istryingtounderstandwhathismothersaidor didn’tsay-therulesareyoucannotleavethe porch. Did she mean the top porch or the bottomporch?

Theyliveinatwo-flatwherethebottomporchis elevatedstepsaboutadozentogroundlevel.The topporchistheshortlandingatthetopofthe innerstaircase.

Theboydecidesthatthetopporchisfarenough. MomandDadwillunderstand.

AsIlookoutattheaudience,Iseethateveryeyeis focuseddirectlyonme.

Afteralongpause,Istate,“Thatlittleboygrewup withPTSDfromtheverbalandeventualphysical violence.Itwentonuntilhelefthomeatnineteen tojointhemilitary.Astheyearspassedandthe occasionalvisittoseehisparents,heyelledabout something nonsensical whenever he heard his father’selevatednegativevoice.Theboy’sPTSD wouldkickin.Hecouldn’tmanagetheincredible fearthatwashedoverhim.

He has spent decades in therapy and is on a lifetimeregimenofManic-Depressivemedication. Heseesapsychiatristandtherapisttothisday. Thatlittleboystandsbeforeyou.

Isharedthistalewithyoutoletyouvividlyfeelits potency,toletitunfoldwithinthetheaterofyour mind.Eachofusherepossessesanarrative,a unique testament waiting to be voiced to the world.IamconfidentI’mnottheonlyonewhose experiencesechowithsomeoneelsehere.Suchis themagneticpullofgenuinestories;theyhavethe mighttoseizeanaudience’sundividedattention. Even if they havenever experienced what the storyispaintinginthecanvasoftheirmind,they canpictureitbecauseofthedescription.

continuedonpage49

continuedfrompage48

WhenInarrateapersonalepisodeormoment,it’smorethansimplyrecounting.It’sanopencall—a beckoningforyoutodivedeep,findreflectionsofitinyourjourney,andextractprofoundinsights thatalignwithyouressence.Risingabovechallenges,nomattertheodds,distinguishesus.Sharing ourtalesandliftingotherswithourexperiencesisoursharedpurpose,ourcollectiveendeavorto upliftoneanother.Butstoriesaren’tjustaboutspeaking;they’reaboutlistening,reflecting,and introspection.Asyousiftthroughthelayersofyournarrative,Iencourageyoutoremember. Reflectinguponyourjourney,challenges,andvictorieswouldbebest.Eachofusholdswithinusa treasuretroveofexperiencesthatshapeanddefineus.Byfosteringaspiritofintrospection,we connectwiththenarrativeathandandembarkonapersonaljourneyofdiscovery.

Yet,theartofgenuinelycaptivatingattentiongoesbeyondjuststoriesandreflection.It’srootedin thesubtletiesofinteraction.Theunsungheroesofgenuineconnectionarethesilentnods,shared smiles,andsubtleshiftsinenergy.Inthesemoments,I’velearnedthevalueofgenuinereceptivity. Bystayingattunedtothesecues,Icangaugethepulseofmyaudience,ensuringthatmywords,tone, anddeliveryharmonizewiththeirneedsandexpectations.

Intheartofeffectivecommunication,authenticityemergesasthecornerstone.Speakingfromthe heart,unfilteredandsincere,holdsapowerthatnoamountofeloquencecanmatch.It’sthisraw, unadulteratedsinceritythatbridgesthegaps,fosterstrust,andlaysthefoundationforaconnection that’sbothprofoundandlasting.

However,inthequestforauthenticityanddepth,it’sessentialnottolosesightofonefundamental truth:brevity.Simplicity,theysay,istheultimatesophistication.Byfocusingontheessence, strippingawaytheextraneous,andpresentinginsightswithclarityandprecision,weensureour messageisheard,remembered,andactedupon.

Ihopetheseinsightsserveasabeacon.Abeaconthatguidesyouinyourendeavorsignitesyour passionsandempowersyoutocaptureandholdattentioninmeaningfulandtransformativeways.

Looking Ahead to May

Exploring LesserKnown

Wine Regions and the Jewels to be Harvested

How'sThisAIWorldTreatingYou?

Good?Bad?Indifferent?

WhattheHeckisAI?

Inthedigitalwhirlwindofmodernlife,anewbreezehasblownsointricatelyintoourdaily experiencesthatit'ssometimeshardtomakesenseofit.ThisgustofwindisArtificialIntelligence (AI),shapingourworldinprofound,subtle,andundeniablycomplexways.ButhowisthisAIworld treatingus?Arewebenefitingfromitsadvancements,grapplingwithitschallenges,orsimply indifferenttoitspervasivepresence?Andforthosestillpuzzledbytheterm,whatexactlyisAI?

Let'sstartatthebeginning:AIisthesimulationofhumanintelligenceinprogrammedmachinesto thinklikehumansandmimictheiractions.It'sabroadfieldthatencompasseseverythingfromthe voiceassistantonyoursmartphonetothepredictivealgorithmsthatrecommendyournextfavorite showonstreamingservices.

continuedfrompage53

HowisAiTreatingYou?

TheGood

Formany,AIisaboon.It'stheconvenienceof askingadigitalassistanttoplayyourfavorite music, the safety of advanced car driverassistancesystems,andthepersonalizationof onlineshoppingexperiences.Inhealthcare,AI helpsdiagnosediseaseswithaprecisionthat matches and sometimes surpasses human doctors. AI algorithms analyze data for businesses to provide insights that inform strategyanddrivegrowth.

TheIndifferent

AI's presence has also given rise to new industriesandjobopportunities,frommachine learning engineers to data annotation specialists.It'sinthewaywecannowfight climate change more effectively, with AI monitoringenvironmentaldatatopredictand mitigatedisasters.

TheBad

However, not all is rosy in the AI garden. Privacy, surveillance, and data security concerns have become increasingly pressing withitsgrowth.AIsystemsareonlyasgoodas thedatathey'refed,andbiaseddataleadsto limitedoutcomes,oftenperpetuatingsocietal inequalities. The labor market also faces challenges;AI'sabilitytoautomatetaskscan lead to job displacement and requires a workforcetoadapttochangingskilldemands.

There'samoreexistentialworry:thefearofAI becoming too advanced, encapsulating scenarios where machines surpass human intelligence, popularly known as the singularity.Whilethisisstillthestuffofscience fiction,itsparksdebatesaboutethicsandthe futuregovernanceofAI.RemembertheBorg? OrTheTerminator?

AI'sinfiltrationintodailylifehasbeenmetwitha shrugforsome.It'sthere,itdoesitsjob,andlife goeson.ThesilentworkingsofAIinbackend systems,security,andlogisticsmightnotdemand attention but still impact efficiency and convenience.Thissegmentmightnotponderthe AI revolution but reaps its benefits through smootherservicesandbetterproducts.

So,What'stheVerdict

TheAIworldtreatsusinvariousways,andour experiencesareasdiverseasAI'sapplications.It's crucialtomaintainavigilantyetopen-minded perspective.EmbraceAI'sbenefits,beawareofits challenges,andparticipateinshapingitsrolein society.Afterall,AI,atitscore,isatool,andits impactisprimarilydeterminedbyhowwechoose touseit.

AI'sstoryisstillbeingwritten,andweholdthe pen.So,aswecontinuetoweaveAIintothefabric of our lives, let's ensure that it enhances the humanexperience,notdiminishit.HowisthisAI world treating you? The answer may be as complexasAI,butit'saquestionworthexploring aswestandatthecrossroadsofanewera.

ThePitfallsofChoosing theWrongFinancialAdvisor

Retirementplanningisajourneyfilledwithimportantdecisions,andoneofthemostcrucialchoices you'llmakeisselectingafinancialadvisortoguideyoualongtheway.Whileatrustedadvisorcanbe instrumentalinmaximizingyourretirementfunds,choosingthewrongonecanleadtocostly mistakesandfinancialsetbacks.

Learnfrommyfriendwhoconfidedinmeabouthercautionarytale,andexploretherisksof selectingthewrongfinancialadvisor.Tokeepherfictional,let'srefertoherasTrixie.

Beforeyouentrustyourlifetime'sworthofsavingandattemptingtoliveoutyourdaysinrelative comfort,takethetimetoperformthoroughduediligencesothatyoudon'tfallpreytothewrong personhandlingyourwealth,regardlessofhowmuchorlittleitmightbe.

MeetTrixie,ayoungwomanwhoseinsatiablecuriosityoftenledherdownunexpectedpaths.While curiositycanbeavaluabletrait,itcanalsobeadouble-edgedsword,asTrixiewouldsoondiscover. Trixie'sjourneyisacautionarytaleforthoseseekingtosecuretheirfinancialfuturethrough prudentretirementplanning.

Trixie's curiosity knew no bounds. She was always eager to explore new ideas, places, and experiences. However, her thirst for knowledge sometimes led her to seek information in questionableareas.Insteadofheedingwarningsandexercisingcaution,Trixieplungedheadfirst intotheunknown,drivenbyherinsatiablecuriosityanddesireforadventure.Unfortunately,her lackofdiscernmentsoonledherintounfamiliarterritory,resultinginunforeseenconsequences.

Selectingthewrongfinancialadvisorcandevastateyourretirementsavingsandoveralleconomic well-being.Thedangersaremanifold,frominexperiencedadvisorslackingthenecessaryexpertise tounscrupulousindividualsdrivenbyself-interest.

continuedonpage56

continuedfrompage55

Trixie'sexperienceisastarkreminderofthe risksassociatedwithunquestioninglytrusting advisors without conducting thorough due diligence. Without proper guidance and oversight,Trixiefellvictimtopoorinvestment choices,highfees,andconflictsofinterestthat erodedherretirementnestegg.

While seeking recommendations from family membersandfriendscanhelpidentifypotential advisors, exercising caution and conducting independentresearchisessential.Trixie'sstory underscorestheimportanceofconsideringyour ownfinancialgoalsandpreferencesratherthan unthinkingly following the advice of others. Whatworksforonepersonmaynotnecessarily besuitableforyouruniquecircumstances,as Trixielearnedthehardway.

Trixieinitiallytrustedtherecommendationsof friendsandfamilywithoutfullyconsideringher financialgoalsandpreferences.Unfortunately, this led her to a financial advisor whose investment strategies were not aligned with Trixie'suniquecircumstances.

For example, Trixie's friend enthusiastically recommended a financial advisor who had helped them achieve impressive investment returns. Without conducting research or consideringherrisktoleranceandretirement goals, Trixie mindlessly followed her friend's adviceandentrustedhersavingstothesame advisor.However,Trixiesoonrealizedthatthe investment approach favored by her friend's advisorwastooaggressiveforhercomfortlevel, resultinginunnecessarystressandanxietyas marketfluctuationsaffectedherportfolio.

Whatworksforonepersonmaynotnecessarily besuitableforanother,andunthinkingly

continuedonpage58

RidingtheWaveofInnovation

byDavidJDunworth

In today’s fast-paced world of technology, one word echoes louder than the rest: Artificial Intelligence(AI).It'snotjustabuzzword;it'sagame-changer,aparadigmshifter,andadigital dynamoreshapingourworld.ButhowdoesAIfareinourdailylives?Well,it'samixedbagoftricks.

Somefolkswelcomeitwithopenarms,seeingitasatrustysidekickintheirdigitaladventures. Others?Well,they'reatadwary,unsureofthePandora'sboxitmightopen.Andthentherearethe indifferentsouls,cruisingthroughtheirdaysasifAIweremerelyapassingcloud.

Yet,totrulygrasptheessenceofAI,wemustpeelbackthelayersofitsimpact.It'snotjustatool;it'sa catalystforchange,aharbingerofinnovation,andacanvasforcreativity.Picturethis:AIseamlessly weavesitsmagicincontentcreation,blurringthelinesbetweenhumaningenuityandmachine wizardry.It'snotjustaboutchurningoutwordsonascreen;it'saboutcraftingnarrativesthat captivate,engage,andresonatewithaudiencesworldwide.

Butlet'snotgetaheadofourselves.MasteringAIisnomeanfeat.It'sadelicatedancebetween harnessingitsstrengthsandnavigatingitspitfalls.Pictureatightropewalkergracefullytreadingthe finelinebetweenautomationandauthenticity.That'sthesweetspotwherehumancreativitymeets AIprowess,whereideasflourish,andstoriescometolife.

Andboy,doesAIpackapunchinthecontentcreationarena!FromsocialmediasorcerytoSEO wizardry,AIisthesecretsaucethatspicesupdigitalcontentlikeneverbefore.Thinkofitasyour trustysidekick,whisperinginsights,predictingtrends,andsuperchargingengagementwithsurgical precision.It'slikehavingapersonalassistantwhoknowsexactlywhatyouneed,whenyouneedit, andhowtodeliveritwithflair.

Buthere'sthekicker:AIisn'tjustatoolforthetech-savvyelite.It'sademocratizingforce,levelingthe playingfieldforcreatorsbigandsmall.Gonearethedaysofelitegatekeepersandivorytower exclusivity.WithAIbyyourside,anyonecanunleashtheircreativity,sharetheirstories,andmake theirmarkonthedigitalcanvas.

Sure,naysayers,skeptics,andlatebloomersarehesitanttoembraceAI'spotential.Buthey,inthis digitalage,it'sadaptorgetleftbehind.ThosewhodaretoridetheAIwavewillridehighonthecrest ofinnovationwhiletheskepticswatchfromthesidelines,wonderingwhatcouldhavebeen.

Inthegrandschemeofthings,AIisn'tjustatool;it'sarevolution,arevelation,andatestamentto humaningenuity.So,buckleup,fellowtravelers,forthejourneyaheadpromisesexcitement, challenges,andendlesspossibilities.WithAIasourco-pilot,we'llnavigatethenewdigitalfrontier withconfidence,curiosity,andadashofpizazz.

continuedfrompage56

followingtheadviceofotherscanleadtocostly mistakes. By assessing individual needs and objectives, individuals can make informed decisions that align with their unique circumstancesandpavethewayforamoresecure financialfuture.

Referralsareoftentoutedasasignofafinancial advisor's credibility and success. However, it's essentialtolookbeyondthesurfaceandcritically evaluate the nature of these referrals. Trixie's experience highlights the importance of scrutinizingadvisorswhorelyheavilyonreferrals without demonstrating a track record of delivering tangible client results. Genuine endorsementsfromsatisfiedclientsarevaluable, butit'scrucialtodistinguishthemfrommere marketing tactics designed to attract new business.

Trixie'sjourneyservesasasoberingreminderof the dangers of unchecked curiosity and the importance of exercising wisdom and discernmentinselectingafinancialadvisorfor retirement planning. By learning from Trixie's mistakesandprioritizingsubstanceoverstyle,we canavoidfallingvictimtothepitfallsofchoosing the wrong advisor. Remember, your financial futureistooimportanttogamblewith—choose wiselyandinvestinatrustedadvisorwithyour bestinterestsatheart.

The

TopLeadership Information Ahead

ProfessorCelestinoObua

Vice-Chancellor

Friends of PHARMBIOTRAC FoundationBoardChair

Professor Celestino Obua (MD, MSc, PhD) is a Professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Fellow of the Uganda Academy of Sciences (FUNAS) and the current Vice Chancellor, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Uganda. He lectured Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, for over 12 years before serving as the Deputy Principal, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University for 4 years, after which he was appointed as the Vice Chancellor of MUST to date. Prof Obua has a strong passion for research and capacity building at individual and institutional levels, yielding over 100 publications He is the Principal Investigator/Program Director on several previous and current extramural research grants/projectsatMbararaUniversityofScienceandTechnology.

OnlineProfile:https://www.must.ac.ug/the-vice-chancellor/

Dr.CasimUmbaTolo

DirectorPHARMBIOTRAC

FriendsofPHARMBIOTRAC Foundation

FoundingBoardMember

Dr. Casim Umba Tolo is the Director of the Pharm-Biotechnology and Traditional Medicine Center (PHARMBIOTRAC) under the Eastern and Southern Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence (ACE II) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Uganda. He has vast research experience and published articles inpeer-reviewedjournalsandbookchaptersinareasrangingfromConservation

Biology, Ecology, Environment, Natural Resources Management, Green Enterprises for Rural Development and Livelihoods, Climate Change Adaptation and Indigenous Knowledge Systems. His responsibilities, among others, include; curriculum development,facilitatingprofessionaltraining,supervisionofmastersandPhD students,commissionedresearch/consultancyandconductingcommunityoutreach.

Dr Tolo gained broad experience through undertaking a number of collaborative research and consultancy work (e.g., Lake Victoria Research Initiative, VicRes, a SIDASARECProgramforEastAfricanRegion)withregionalandinternationalcolleaguesin areas ranging from Climate Change Adaptation and Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change Risks to Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Biodiversity Conservation Strategies in a Changing Climate, Primate Ecology and Conservation, Rangeland Ecology and Management, Human-Environment Interactions, Conservation and Management of Biological Resources, Solid Waste DisposalandManagement Forexample,heconsultedwiththeConsultativeGroup

forInternationalAgriculturalResearch(CGIAR)/InternationalLivestockResearch Institute(ILRI),TheUgandaNationalCommissionforUNESCO(UNATCOM),The Inter-UniversityCouncilforEastAfrica(IUCEA)andSNV-NetherlandsDevelopment Organisation.Dr.Toloisaseasonedexpertinprojectproposaldevelopmentand project management. He has a vast experience in successfully managing multimillionsofdonorgrantswithexcellentresults.Currently,heisthelocalpromoterof theUgandacomponentof“ActionTowardsReducingAquaticSnail-borneParasitic Diseases(ATRAPlocatedinWesternUganda ATRAPisajointinitiativebetween MUST,Uganda,andtheRoyalMuseumforCentralAfrica(RMCA),Tervuren, Belgium.

Dr Toloisserving/servedonvariousboardsandcommittees,amongothers:The NationalCommitteeoftheManandBiosphere(MAB)Programme,UgandaNational CommissionforUNESCO,Kampala-Uganda,TheBoardofTrusteesofTHETA-Uganda as a Chair Programmes and Research Committee, Director of Education and EnvironmentofAnzoaHumanitarianFoundationLtd,Adjumani,Uganda,Steering Committeeon“DevelopingHerbalAlternativestotheChemicalDrugsusedinthe DairySector,mainlywithrespecttotickcontrol,butalsoanimaldiseasessuchas mastitis”oftheSNV-NetherlandsDevelopmentOrganisation,underTheInclusive DairyEnterprise(TIDE)Project.

FurtherdetailsofpublicationsonORCID:https://orcidorg/0000-0003-1807-3438

Contact:

Telephone:+256-772-837055

E-mail:ctolo@pharmbiotracfoundationorg

Skype:casim.tolo

AssociateProfessorRobert Tamukong;BSc,MSc, Pharm.D,PHD

Friendsof PHARMBIOTRAC Foundation

FoundingBoardMember

ProfessorTamukongisAssociateProfessorofClinicalPharmacyPracticeandChairof postgraduate research and training in the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of MedicineatMbararaUniversityofScienceandTechnology(MUST),Uganda,wherehe engagesinteaching,research,supervision&examinationofstudents,curriculum development,clinicalpractice,communityengagement,administration,leadership, mentorshipandconsultancyinhealthcareandacademia.Healsoservesasprogram coordinatorofthefirst-everMasterofPharmacyinClinicalPharmacyprogramin Uganda,whichheconceivedin2017andwasaccreditedbytheUgandaNational CouncilofHigherEducationin2018.ProfTamukongholdsaDoctorofPharmacy (Pharm.D)degreefromtheUniversityofMinnesotaintheUSAandaPhD.His teaching,research,andpracticeinterestsareintheareasofpharmacypractice, clinical pharmacy/pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacotherapy, therapeutics, & pharmaceutical sciences, veterinary pharmacy, curriculum planning, design, and implementation,pedagogyforhealthcareprofessionals,pharmacovigilance&drug safety, antimicrobial stewardship, nutrition support for critical care patients, nosocomial-acquiredinfections,andotherareas.

Prior to coming to Uganda, Professor Tamukong served as a clinical pharmacy specialistattheUniversityofMinnesotaMedicalCenter,MinneapolisintheUSA,with teaching, research, and practice areas in emergency and critical care, internal medicine,pediatrics,surgery,oncology,obstetrics&gynecology,andpsychiatry.

continuedfrompage63

Dr.RobertTamukong

DuringhistimeatMUST,professorTamukonghasbeenabletoleadthecurriculum development and implementation of the first ever Masters of Pharmacy in Clinical Pharmacy degree program in Uganda. He has provided mentorship and guidance to studentsandteachingstaff,aswellasrenderedClinicalPharmacyServicestopatients attheMbararaRegionalReferralHospital.

Professor Tamukong is a highly motivated Academic, with passionate, considerable and extensive experience in teaching, clinical practice, and research. He has authored several peer-reviewed publications, book chapters and poster presentations, including delivering numerous invited lectures, workshops and professional presentations, both nationally and globally. He has also completed several masters & PhD graduates and many sponsored projects including various bilateral projects He has a track record of working with various international institutions in universities across the world. He is Board Certified, and licensed to practice in the states of Minnesota and Ohio in the USA. His research interests are centered on outcomes of criticallyillpatientsrelatedtodrugtherapy,specificallyintheareasofpain,agitation anddelirium,nosocomial-acquiredinfections,andantimicrobialstewardship

Outside of work, his hobbies include cooking, reading, hiking, golfing, travelling and theoutdoors

Contact Mobile/WhatsApp:+256-773-225785

Email:rtamukong@must.ac.ug

Eng.AnkeWeisheit

AgriculturalEngineer

FriendsofPHARMBIOTRAC Foundation

FoundingBoardMember

AnkeWeisheitisanAgriculturalEngineerandholdsaMasterdegreeinAgricultural ScienceandResourceManagementintheTropicsandSubtropics(ARTS)withmore than20yearsofexperienceintropicalagriculture,valuechaindevelopment,andagribusinessinEasternandSouthernAfrica.Sheistheleadinnovatorandco-founder andcurrently,servingastheChairofInnovationandBusinessManagementofthe Pharm-Biotechnology and Traditional Medicine Centre (PHARMBIOTRAC) at MbararaUniversityofScienceandTechnology,Uganda.

Ankeisco-founderandservingontheboardoftheFriendsofPHARMBIOTRAC Foundation (FPF) She has vast experience in innovation incubation, business mentoring,productdevelopmentandisconductingprojectandproposalevaluations, strategicplanning,feasibilitystudies,andorganizationdevelopment.Ankeisalsoan External Expert to the European Commission Horizon 2020, a Member of the GoverningCounciloftheSub-SaharanOpenUniversity(SSOU),andservingonthe WHORegionalExpertAdvisoryCommitteeonTraditionalMedicineforCOVID-19 Response(REACT).Ankehadpreviouslyleadteamsforevaluations,needassessments andfeasibilitystudies.Previously,sheservedontheBoardofTrusteesofTHETA UgandaastheChairpersonofProgramsandResearchCommittee,andtheUganda ForumforAgriculturalAdvisoryServices(UFAAS)boardasafoundingteammember. ShehasresearchedandconsultedfortheUnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme, WorldBank,WorldHealthOrganization,WorldAgroforestryCentre,andGerman AgencyforInternationalCooperationamongothers

Contact:WhatsApp:+256-772-788096,email:aweisheit@pharmbiotracfoundation.org

Want to Blow Away Your Targeted Prospects?

Shock&Awe Package Deal!

AShock&AwePackageembodiestheartof makinganunforgettablefirstimpression.It goesleapsandboundsbeyondmorethanany advertisingorpromotionaleffortsand,done well,leavesyourprospectsinastateof,well, shock&awe.

It’sapackageloadedwithameticulously craftedcombinationofelementsdesignedto captivate,intrigue,magneticallyattract,and ultimatelyconvertpotentialclientsintosuperloyaladvocates.

Contact:David-877-977-4115fora 30-minutefreeconsult

David