Dr. Samuel Baker Obakiro is a distinguished Pharmacologist and Analytical Chemist with a keen interest in drug discovery and development, toxicology, medicine access, and antimicrobial resistance. After earning his PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the Centre of Excellence in Phytochemicals, Textile & Renewable Energy (ACEII PTRE) at Moi University, Kenya, in 2022, he returned to Uganda to continue his role as a lecturer in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at Busitema University.

While the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges, it also created opportunities for natural product scientists to explore and develop potential therapeutics. Seizing this moment, Dr. Obakiro collaborated with fellow scientists at Busitema University to establish the Busitema University Natural Products Research and Innovation Centre. This center of excellence focuses on traditional and complementary medicine research and development. Through his leadership, the center has secured $1.85 million in grants from the Government of Uganda and has successfully developed two pharmaceutical products—Tazcov™ (for managing acute respiratory illnesses) and Glucotak™ (for diabetes mellitus) – both of which are registered with the National Drug Authority.

Dr. Obakiro’s work has attracted additional funding from prestigious organizations, including the BRIGHT Network, China, the International Foundation for Science, the Africa Research Excellence Fund, and the Volkswagen Stiftung Foundation.

Beyond his research contributions, he has played a pivotal role in academic development at Busitema University. In 2024, he chaired the committee responsible for developing the Bachelor of Pharmacy and the Master of Pharmacology (Drug Discovery and Development) programs.