Short Biography

Dr. Katuura Esther is a senior researcher and contributes to knowledge growth in tropical medicinal and nutritional plants. She also supports policy development in traditional medicine, biodiversity utilization, and conservation both at national and international levels. Her specific expertise is in indigenous knowledge on antimalarial herbs, preclinical research, their effectiveness and evidence based product development. She has over twenty-six years of experience teaching in tertiary institutions and researching in natural chemotherapeutics and product development. She has supervised over fifteen graduate students to completion and has made over forty peer-reviewed journal articles since 2007. Has also directly or contributed to the development and standardization of over five medicinal products. Member, National Technical Committee on Biodiversity, NEMA to date, Secretary, Scientific Advisory Committee, Clinical Trials and Natural Therapeutics (CONAT), 2023 to-date, Vice Chairperson, Research Ethical Committee (REC), (THETA) 2015-2018. Founder member National Natural Resource Data and Information Sharing Committee- UGABIF 2011, UNCST, Founder member and Chair Person, Strategic Planning Committee; Uganda Pharmacological Society (UPHARS) 2012. Member, International Society of Ethnobiologists (ISE) since 2015. Committee member, NAPRECA – Uganda chapter 2000-2006. Other various task forces such as the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-26) , NBSAP I-III, ABS – NAGOYA protocol and implementation, e.t.c. She served as Head of Department, Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology (April 2022- October 2022).

Education Background

1)MAK/ Colorado Srtate Uni. 2016 Certificate (Phylogenetics)
2) ESAMI 2013-2015 Master of Business Admin
3) Makerere University 2006-2010 PhD (Ethnopharmacology)
4) Makerere University 2000-2001 PGDE ( Biology/Chemistry)
5) Makerere University 1995-1998 MSc (Plant Taxonomy )
6) Makerere University 1991-1994 BSc Honors (Bot/Zoo/Chem)
7) Mayhill high School 1989-1991 U.A.C.E
8) Mayhill high School 1985-1988 U.C.E

Publications
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1. Kawuma Carol,Stedje Brita, Katuura Esther, Ipulet Perpetua, Mulumba John, Kakudidi Esezah, Mugizi Felly, Bello Anifat and Namaganda Mary (2025). Diversity, Distribution and Habitat Suitability Assessment of Solanum Species of the Leptostemonum Clade in Uganda. African Journal of Ecology(63). DOi.10.1111/aje.70021
2.Ojelel S, Katuura E, Mucunguzi P, Kalema J. Comparative analysis of floristic richness and diversity in six central forest reserves of north eastern Uganda. BMC Ecol Evol. 2025 Jan 18;25(1):12. doi: 10.1186/s12862-024-02323-1. PMID: 39827345; PMCID: PMC11743001.
3. Akwongo B, Kakudidi E.K, Nsubuga AM, Andama M, Namaganda M, Tugume P, Asiimwe S, Anywar G, Katuura E.(2024). In vitro antifungal activities of medicinal plants used for treatment of candidiasis in Pader district, Northern Uganda. Trop Med Health. 2024 Nov 13;52(1):84. doi: 10.1186/s41182-024-00628-x.
4. Kawuma, C., M. Namaganda, E. Katuura, P. Ipulet, J. W. Mulumba, E. Kakudidi, F. M. Tusiime, A. O. Bello, and B. Stedje. Phytotaxa, vol. 661, no. 1, July 2024, pp. 63-74, doi:10.11646/phytotaxa.661.1.4.

5.Kawuma, Carol and Anywar, Godwin and Seronjogi, Derick and Katuura, Esther and Namaganda, Mary (2024). Dataset on the Geographical Distribution of Species of the Genus Solanum, Subgenus Leptostemonum in Uganda. Available at SSRN: http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4627731.

6.Kyolo, S. K., Bbosa, G. S., Nakasujja, N., Mwebaza, N., Kibendelwa, Z. T., Odda, J., & Katuura, E. (2023). Phytochemical Analysis of Selected Medicinal Plants Used in Management of Anxiety and Depressive Disorders in Goma City, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Open Journal of Depression, 12, 23-40. DOI: 10.4236/ojd.2023.123003.

7.Kyolo S. K, Bbosa G. S., Odda J., Mwebaza N., Kibendelwa Z. T., Nakasujja N. and Katuura E. (2023). Indigenous knowledge and perceptions toward mental illnesses within Goma city in Democratic Republic of Congo. Translational Medicine: 1(2): 56-67. Open Access (TMOA).ISSN: 2993-5407 DOI: 10.33140/TMOA.

8.Akwongo Betty; Katuura Esther; Nsubuga Anthony M.; Tugume Patience; Andama Morgan; Anywar Godwin; Namaganda Mary; Asimwe Savina; Kakudidi Esezah Kyomugisha (2023).Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants utilized in the management of candidiasis in Northern Uganda. Journal of Tropical Medicine and Health. 50:78 https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-022-00471-y

9.Lutoti S, Kaggwa B, Kamba PF, Mukonzo J, Sesaazi CD, Katuura E. (2023) Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in Breast Cancer Treatment by Traditional Health Practitioners in Central Uganda. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 16:635-651. https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S387256.

10.Ochora DO, Murithi C, Masai RJ, Abdi F, Cheruyiot A, Katuura E, Asiimwe S, Nabatanzi A, Anywar G, Oryem-Origa H, Namukobe J, Kakudidi EK, Yenesew A, Akala HM, Kamau E.(2023). Ex vivo and in vitro antiplasmodial activity and toxicity of Caesalpinia decapetala (Roth) alston (Fabaceae). J Ethnopharmacol. 5:117007.

11.Walusansa A., Asiimwe S., Nakavuma J. L., Ssenku J. E., Katuura E., Hussein. M. Kafeero H. M., Aruhomukama D., Nabatanzi A., Anywar G., Tugume K. A. and Kakudidi K. E. (2022). Antibiotic-resistance in medically important bacteria isolated from commercial herbal medicines in Africa from 2000 to 2021: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control.11:11

12.Mercy Gladys Tenywa, Amon Ganafa Agaba, Clement Olusoji Ajayi, Casim Umba Tolo and Esther Katuura (2022). Analgesic, antiflammatory and oxytocic activities of Dracaena steudneri Engl. Stem bark aqueous extract in Wistar rats. Journal of Medicinal Plant Research, 16 (4), 148-153.

13.Kyolo S., Katuura E., Bbosa, G., Mwebaza N., Kibendelwa Z. and Nakasujja N. (2022) Medicinal Plants Used in Management of Various Mental Illnesses in Goma City, Democratic Republic of Congo. Neuroscience and Medicine, 13:17-42.

14.Nowak Jadwiga, Anna K. Kiss, Charles Wambebe, Esther Katuura and Łukasz Kuźma (2022). Phytochemical analysis of polyphenols in leaf extract from Vernonia amygdalina Delile plant growing in Uganda, Journal of Applied Sciences 12(2) 912. http://doi.org/10.3390/app1202912.

15.Nowak Jadwiga, Charles Wambebe, Esther Katuura, Anna Kiss, Łukasz Kuźma (2021). Tentative qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds in leaf extract from Carica papaya Linn plant growing in Uganda. Herba polonica 67(4): 1-9. Doi: 10.2478/hepo-2021-0029.

16.Mercy Gladys Tenywa, Amon Ganafa Agaba, Casim Umba Tolo, Clement Olusoji Ajayi and Esther Katuura (2021). Physicochemical, Phytochemical and Pharmacognostical parameters of a herbal plant Draceana steudneri Engl. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy. 15 (1), pp. 1-8, DOI: 10.5897/JPP2021.0611.

17.Nowak J., Katuura E., Mukonzo J. and Wambebe C. (2021). Safety Evaluation of Oral Toxicity of Potential Anticancer Agents: An Acute and Sub-Chronic Toxicity Studies of Combinations of Carica papaya Linn, Vernonia amygdalina Delile and Dihydroartemisinin. Afr. J. Biomed. Res. 24: 413- 420.

18.Mercy Gladys Tenywa, Esther Katuura, Casim Umba Tolo, Clement Olusoji Ajayi and Amon Ganafa Agaba (2021). Evaluation of the adverse effects of Dracaena steudneri Engl. stem bark aqueous extract in Wistar rats. African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 15(12):197-205. https://doi.org /10.5897/AJPP2021.5261

19.Chandia M. Katuura E. and Waako P. (2021) The Anti-mycobacterial activity and safety profile of selected Crinum Sp. in Northwestern Uganda. Global Scientific Journals: 9 (6): 861-880: ISSN 2320-9186,

20.Nowak J., Wambebe C., Mukonzo J. and Katuura E. (2021). Cytotoxic activity of combining Molecular Iodine and Dihydroartemisinin with methanolic extracts of Carica papaya linn and Vernonia amygdalina. Delile leaves against mcf-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research. 5(3):485-493

21.Kyomugisha H., Katuura E and S. Ainebyona S. (2020). Microfinance Services and Economic Empowerment of Women of UGAFODE Mbarara Municipality, Uganda. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology 5(12): 2456-2165.

22.Ojelel S., Mucunguzi P, Kalema J, Kakudidi EK, Namaganda M and Katuura E. (2020). Nutritional value of selected wild edible plants in Teso-Karamoja region, Uganda. African journal of Food and Agriculture 20 (4): 16112-16126.

23.Lutoti S., Pakoyo F.K., Katuura E, Wangalwa R., Mtewa A., Ogwang E.P., Mkonzo J. and Mugume M.N. (2020). A review of breast cancer treatment modalities in Uganda: an appraisal of the breast cancer diagnostic process, regulatory approval and supply system of standardized anti-breast cancer medicines. International Journal of Advanced Research 8(02):23-32. 10.21474/IJAR01/10431.
24.Tenywa M. G., Agaba A, Ogwang P. E., Umba C. T., Ajayi O. C. and Katuura E. Medicinal plants used in gynecological procedures in Uganda. Journal of Medicinal Plant Research. 14(4): 185-194
25.Y. J. Lee, G. Adusumillia, Rauben Kazungu, Godwin Anywar, F. Kyakulaga, E. Katuura, S. Parikh and M. Willcox (2019). Treatment-seeking behavior and practices Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg; 00:1 –9
26.Ojelel S., Mucunguzi P., Katuura E., Kakudidi E.K., Namaganda M. & Kalema J. (2019). Wild edible plants used by communities in and around selected forest reserves of Teso-Karamoja region, Uganda. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 15(3).
27.Katuura E., Kalabika E & Lubega A. (2018). Uterotonic potential of selected plants used by Ugandan local communities in treatment of malaria. European Journal of Medicinal Plant. 24(2).

28.Katuura E., Bossa G. B., Waako P. and Ogwal Okeng J. (2017). Antimicrobial activity and phytochemical fingerprints of five crude extracts obtained from indigenous medicinal plants of Uganda. Research in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. 7(1): 1-12.

29.Katuura, E., Omujal, F., Tumusiime, R. H., Nabukalu, D., & Byamukama, R. (2016). Documentation of indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants used to manage common influenza and related symptoms in Luwero district, central Uganda. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 10 (39): 705-716.

30.Walugembe, J., Iramiot, J. S., & Katuura, E. (2016). Indigenous knowledge and antibacterial activity of selected herbs used locally to treat common cold in Central Uganda. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 10 (31): 520-528.

31.Kyoshabire M., Katuura E., Cunningham A. B. & Hoeft R. (2017). Medicinal plants and herbalist preferences around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 11 (8): 161-170.

32.Tushabe J.V., Katuura E. & Iramoit J. S. (2017). Bacterial and Fungal Contaminants in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Cultures at National Tuberculosis Referral Laboratory-Kampala. Microbiology Research Journal International, 19(5): 1-8.

33. angeland T., Alele P., Katuura E. & Kåre Lye 2011: Plants used to treat malaria in Nyakayojo sub-county, Western Uganda. Journal of ethnopharmacology 99: 273-279.

34.Stangeland T., Wangsteen H., Katuura E., Kåre A. Lye &. Paulsen S. B. 2010: Antioxidant and anti-plasmodial activity of extracts from three Ugandan medicinal plants. Journal of Medicinal Plant Research 4: 1916-1923

35.Katuura E., Waako P., Tabuti J.R.S., Bukenya-Ziraba R. & Ogwal-Okeng J., 2008: Antiplasmodial activity of extracts of selected plants used by local communities in Western Uganda for treatment of malaria, Afr. J. Ecol. 45 (3): 94-98.

36.Waako P. J., Katuura E., Smith P. & Folb P.I. 2007: East African medicinal plants as a source of lead compounds for the development of new antimalarial drugs, Afr. J. Ecol. 45 (1): 102-106.

37.Katuura E. et., al, 2007: Traditional treatment of malaria in Western Uganda. African Journal of Ecology. 45 (1): 1-4.

Projects /Grants
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1.PI: Institutional Capacity building on implementation of the Nagoya protocol on access and Benefit Sharing in Uganda. Project component 100,000 USD worth (2023-2025).
2.PI: RIF 2- Developing acaricide from novel molecules from Ugandan herbs- Category 3, about 100,000,000 million Uganda shillings-2019-2022.
3.PI; Retrospective treatment outcome of antimalarial herbs in Nyakayoojo, Mbarara district, Uganda (HS 1838) – 2000 Euros-2015. Component under the Multi-disciplinary University Traditional Health Initiative (MUTHI): Building sustainable Research Capacity on Plants for better public Health in Africa, EU funded, 7th Research Framework, Grant agreement No. 266005, Euros 169,312,
4.National Task force member – Project development on conservation and sustainable use of the threatened savanna woodland in the Kidepo critical landscape in north eastern Uganda-GOU-GEF-UNDP Project 2011-2012.
5.PI: LAMPS- Building capacity of local communities in Bunghoko in development of a mosquito repellent at house hold level, Uganda Women Concern Ministry, Mbale District, Uganda.2009-2010.
6.VICRES-PhD Scholarship, Department of Pharmacology (CHS)-2004-2006
7.NUFU -PhD Scholarship, Department of Pharmacology (CHS) -2004-2008

Mentorship / Supervision
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1. Chandia Milton, MSc. Pharmacology Ugandan-Makerere University The anti-mycobacterial activity and safety profile of selected crinum species in Northwestern Uganda 2013
2. Kavuma Carol, MSc. Botany Ugandan., Makerere University Adoption of Solanum macrocarpon and Solanum aethiopicum improved agricultural technologies and the botanical importance of these species among famers in Mukono District, central Uganda 2015
3.Mpaata Peter, MSc. Pharmacology Ugandan, Makerere University Antibacterial activity and acute dermal irritation of citrus limon essential oil from Eastern Uganda 2018
4.Namara Sarah, MSc. Natural Resources and Environment Ugandan, Makerere University Heavy metals in selected plants used by communities around Kilembe copper mines, Kasese Distric, for treatment of Malaria. 2021
5.Senyange Andrew, MSc. Pharmacognosy Ugandan, Makerere University Antibacterial and Antifungal properties of plants commonly used in treatment of common skin infections in Uganda 2022
6.Edau Peter, MSc, Pharmacognosy Ugandan, Makerere University Therapeutic Potential of a poly herbal anti-diabetic formulation developed from bioactive extracts of selected medicinal plants in Uganda using albino Rats 2022
7. Tenywa Mercy, PhD, Natural medicines Ugandan, Mbarara University Standardization of Dracaena steudneri Engl. Stem bark for Painless Childbirth in Uganda 2022
8. Ojelel Samuel, PhD, Botany Ugandan, Makerere University Nutritional value and conservation status of wild edible plants in Teso-Karamoja. 2023
9. Jagwida Nowak, PhD, Pharmacology Polish, Makerere University Evaluating the synergistic effects of Carica papaya linn, Vernonia amygdalina delile, Artemisinin and Iodine as potential agents in the management of breast Cancer 2023
10. Mayanja Mathias, MSc, Pharmacognosy Ugandan, Makerere University Formulation and evaluation of herbal anti- Propioni bacterium acnes gel containing extracts of Curcuma longa and Azadirachta indica 2023
11. Kigozi Steven MSc Natural Medicines Ugandan, Ibadan University, Nigeria Formulation and evaluation of efficacy of a polyherbal formula against syphilis and gonorrhea 2023
12. Ochan James, MSc, Pharmacognosy Ugandan, Makerere University HPTLC fingerprinting and Toxicity profile of Warburgia ugandensis 2023-
13.Kavuma Carol, PhD, Botany Ugandan, Makerere University Molecular systematics of the Subgenus Leptostemonum section Melongena in Uganda Award 2024
14.Kyolo Kule, PhD, Pharmacology Congolese, Makerere University Conceptualization of MI and assessment of efficacy and safety of MP used in their treatment by Traditional Healers in Goma City, DRC Graduated 2025
15. Sarah MSc Zoology Ugandan, Makerere University Nutritional ecology of Ceratotherium simum simum at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Nakasongola District, Uganda Submitted for examination
16.Akwong Betty, PhD, Botany Ugandan,Makerere University Bioactivity and safety of Medicinal Plants used against Candidiasis in Northern Uganda Graduated 2025

For a more detailed CV please click here