Samuel Baker Obakiro

Dr.
Samuel
Baker
Obakiro (Ph.D)
Ph.D. Analytical Chemistry, Moi University, Kenya
Senior Lecturer & Head of Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Mbale
Office Hours
08:00 -17:00 Hours
sobakiro@gmail.com
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Biography

Dr. Samuel Baker Obakiro is a Pharmacologist / Medicinal chemist with BSc. Chemistry and Botany in 2010, MSc. Pharmacology in 2015 both from Makerere University Uganda and a PhD (Analytical Chemistry) in 2022 from Moi University Kenya. He is currently a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University. His areas of research interest are drug discovery and development from medicinal plants towards tuberculosis, Diabetes Mellitus and cancer, herbal medicine use and standardization, antimicrobial resistance and toxicology. Samuel is the Principal Investigator of the Presidential Scientific Initiative on Epidemics (PRESIDE) funded project at Busitema University that is “Formulating and Evaluating Herbal Products for Management of Acute Respiratory Illnesses (TAZCOV Project) and Diabetes Mellitus (GLUCOTAK Project)”. He is also the principal investigator of the BRIGHT NETWORK Funded project aimed at increasing medicine access in eastern Uganda.  In 2018, he was the Principal Investigator of the VLIRUOS (Belgium) funded project that was aimed at “Tracking and Mapping Antimicrobial Resistance in Eastern Uganda”. He is the founder and center leader of the “Natural Products Research and Innovation Centre (NAPRIC)”. Dr. Samuel has received a number of awards and scholarships from International Foundation of Science (IFS), TWAS-ICCBS, ACEIIPTRE, RISE-AFNNET, MEPI-MESAU and Ugandan Government. He is a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Natural Products Research for Eastern and Central Africa (NAPRECA) and Uganda Pharmacological society (UPharS), Natural Product Industry Advancement Network Africa (NAPIANA). His career objective and goal is to build technical capacity and competence in pharmacology and toxicology research, training and mentoring of biomedical scientists and leadership skills so as to contribute towards improved health care and community transformation. Samuel has researched and published 25 articles in several peer reviewed journals and his work can be accessed ORCID, google scholar and research gate.

 

 

Research Projects
  1. Assessing the pharmaceutical capacity and capability to manufacture, procure and distribute essential medicines in Uganda (2024-2025)  - Funded by BRIGHT Network
  2. Formulation and preclininical evaluation of natural therapeutics for management of Diabetes mellitus (2023-2024)  - Funded by BURIF & STI-OP 
  3. Evaluation of the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity of Tephrosia Linearis, Zanthoxylum Chalybeum and Albizia Coriaria and Formulation of Herbal Product(s) for Management of Covid-19 (2020 – 2023) - Funded by PRESIDE & STI-OP 
  4. Prevalence of and factors associated with use of both conventional and herbal medicines among caretakers of children with sickle cell disease at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital (2021 – 2022) - Funded by BURIF
  5. Antimycobacterial activity, phytochemistry and toxicity profiles and of Erythrina abyssinica, Entada abyssinica and Albizia coriaria (2019 -2022) - Funded by IFS & ACEIIPTRE 
  6. Prevalence and factors associated with herbal medicine use among pregnant women attending Mbale regional referral hospital (2019) - Funded by BURIF 
  7. Tracking and mapping drivers of antimicrobial resistance in Eastern Uganda (2018-2020) Funded by VLIRUOS 
  8. Toxicity Evaluation of the methanolic leaf extract of Eucalyptus globulus in Wistar albino rats (2013-2014)- Funded by MEPI -MESAU & RISE AFNNET 
  9. Analysis of anthocyanin containing food stuffs sold in Kampala capital city and potential application in the food and medical industry (2008-2009) Funded by Makerere University Chemistry Department 
Publications and Papers
  1. Mohammad YZ, Alsaab HO, Maryam G, …Obakiro SB. NF-κB pathway as a molecular target for curcumin in diabetes mellitus treatment: Focusing on oxidative stress and inflammation. Cell Biochem Funct. 2024;42(February):1-18. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbf.4030
  1. Obakiro SB, Kiyimba K, Owor RO, et al. Acute and subacute toxicity profile of ethanolic stem bark extract of Albizia coriaria Welw. ex Oliv. in Wistar albino rats. Toxicol Reports. 2024;12(November 2023):178-185. 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.01.005
  2. Obakiro, S. B., Kiyimba, K., Lukwago, T. W., Lulenzi, J., Owor, R. O., Andima, M., Hokello, J. F., Kawuma, C., Nantale, G., Kibuule, D., Anywar, G., Waako, P., & Gavamukulya, Y. (2023). Ethnobotanical study of plants used in management of diabetes mellitus in Eastern Uganda. Phytomedicine Plus, 3(4), 100486. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phyplu.2023.100486
  3. Apolot, C., Obakiro, S. B., Mukunya, D., Olupot-Olupot, P., & Matovu, J. K. B. (2023). Caregivers’ use of herbal and conventional medicine to treat children with sickle cell disease at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Eastern Uganda: A cross-sectional study. PLoS ONE, 18(9 SEPTEMBER), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0291008
  1. Obakiro, S.B., Omara, T., Kiprop, A. et al.Deciphering the antimycobacterial, cytotoxicity and phytochemical profile of Entada abyssinica stem bark. Vegetos (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42535-023-00732-z
  1. Tabuti, J. R. S., Obakiro, S. B., Nabatanzi, A., Anywar, G., Nambejja, C., Mutyaba, M. R., Omara, T., & Waako, P. (2023). Medicinal plants used for treatment of malaria by indigenous communities of Tororo District , Eastern Uganda. Tropical Medicine and Health, 51(34), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-023-00526-8
  1. Kusasira, L., Mukunya, D., Obakiro, S.B, Kenedy, K., Rebecca, N., Ssenyonga, L., Immaculate, M., & Napyo, A. (2023). Prevalence and predictors of delayed initiation of breastfeeding among postnatal women at a tertiary hospital in Eastern Uganda: a cross-sectional study. Archives of Public Health, 81(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-023-01079-2
  1. Twekambe, E., Epuitai, J., Kawala, E. K., Namanya, V., Ayikobua, E. T., Obakiro, S. B., Napyo, A., & Kiyimba, K. (2023). A qualitative exploration of the psychosocial factors affecting antiretroviral therapy adherence among HIV infected young adults in Eastern Uganda. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.02.04.23285423.
  1. Obakiro S.B, K’Owino, Kigondu E., Andima M., Owor R.O., Kiprop A., (2022). Molecular Docking Interactions with Mycobacterial ATP and Polyketide-13 Synthase Enzymes of Phytoconstituents Isolated from Entada abyssinica Stem Bark. Biointerface research in applied chemistry (in press).
  1. Omara, T., Odero, M.P. & Obakiro, S.B. (2022) Medicinal plants used for treating cancer in Kenya: an ethnopharmacological overview. Bull Natl Res Cent46, 148 . https://doi.org/10.1186/s42269-022-00840-x
  2. Kiyimba K, Ayikobua ET, Mwandah DC, Obakiro SB (2022). Assessing the protective effect of Crassocephalum vitellinum against Rifampicin- induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Afri Health Sci. 2022;22(1):352-60. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ ahs.v22i1.43
  1. Obakiro SB, Ambrose Kiprop, Isaac K’Owino, Moses Andima, Richard Oriko Owor, Robi Chacha, and Elizabeth Kigondu. 2022. “Phytochemical, Cytotoxicity, and Antimycobacterial Activity Evaluation of Extracts and Compounds from the Stem Bark of Albizia Coriaria Welw Ex. Oliver.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/7148511.
  1. Obakiro, S. B., Napyo, A., Wilberforce, M. J., Adongo, P., Kiyimba, K., Anthierens, S., Kostyanev, T., Waako, P., & Van Royen, P. (2022). Are antibiotic prescription practices in Eastern Uganda concordant with the national standard treatment guidelines? A cross-sectional retrospective study. Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance, xxxx. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgar.2021.11.006
  1. Obakiro, S. B., Kiprop, A., Kigondu, E., K’owino, I., Kiyimba, K., Drago Kato, C., & Gavamukulya, Y. (2021). Sub-Acute Toxicity Effects of Methanolic Stem Bark Extract of Entada abyssinica on Biochemical, Haematological and Histopathological Parameters in Wistar Albino Rats. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12(September), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.740305
  1. Obakiro, S.B., Kiyimba, K., Paasi, G., Napyo, A., Anthierens, S., Waako, P., Royen, P. Van, Iramiot, J. S., Goossens, H., & Kostyanev, T. (2021). Prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria among patients in two tertiary hospitals in Eastern Uganda. Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance, 25, 82–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgar.2021.02.021
  1. Kagoya, E. K., Royen, K. Van, Waako, P., Royen, P. Van, Iramiot, J. S., Obakiro, S. B., Kostyanev, T., & Anthierens, S. (2021). Experiences and views of healthcare professionals on the prescription of antibiotics in Eastern Uganda. A qualitative study. Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance, 25, 66–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgar.2021.02.019
  1. Omara, T., Kiprop, A. K., Wangila, P., Wacoo, A. P., Kagoya, S., Nteziyaremye, P., Peter Odero, M., Kiwanuka Nakiguli, C., & Obakiro, S.B (2021). The Scourge of Aflatoxins in Kenya: A 60-Year Review (1960 to 2020). Journal of Food Quality, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8899839.
  1. Obakiro SB, Kiprop A, Kigondu E, et al. (2021) Traditional Medicinal Uses, Phytoconstituents, Bioactivities, and Toxicities of Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. (Fabaceae): A Systematic Review. Evid based Complement Altern Med - Hindawi. Published online 2021:1-43. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5513484 
  1. Obakiro, S.B., Kiyimba, K., Napyo, A., Kanyike, A. M., Mayoka, W. J., Nnassozi, A. G., Aguti, B., Akech, G. M., & Waako, J. P. (2021). Appropriateness and affordability of prescriptions to diabetic patients attending a tertiary hospital in Eastern Uganda: A retrospective cross-sectional study. PLoS ONE, 16(1 January), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245036
  1. Obakiro, S.B., Kiprop, A., Kowino, I., Kigondu,E., Odero, M.P., Omara ,T., Bunalema., (2020). Ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry of traditional medicinal plants used in the management of symptoms of tuberculosis in East Africa: a systematic review. BMC Tropical medicine and Health 48 (68). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-020-00256-1
  1. Muhwana, I., Obakiro, S. B., Ibanda, I., Crucifix, P. G., Afodun, A. M., & Odoma, S. (2020). Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous leaf extract of Erlangea tomentosa (Asteraceae) in rats and mice. Journal of Pharmacy & Bioresources, 17(1), 19–23. https://doi.org/10.4314/jpb.v17i1.4
  1. Obakiro, S B, Bunalema, L., Nyatia, E., & Waako, J. P. (2018). Ulcerogenic Potential of Eucalyptus globulus L . Leaf Extract in Wistar Albino Rats. https://doi.org/10.3923/jpt.2018.Research
  1. Bunalema L, Obakiro S, Tabuti RS, Waako JP (2014) Knowledge on plants used traditionally in treatment of Tuberculosis in Uganda. Journal of ethnopharmacology vol. 151; 999-1004. 10.1016/j.jep.2013.12.020
Presentations
  1. Obakiro SB: Development of standardized natural therapeutics for management of COVID-19 from Ugandan medicinal plants. At the 1st Annual dissemination Day of Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences on 28th November 2023 at Human Man power Development Centre Mbale – Uganda
  1. Obakiro SB: Development of standardized natural therapeutics for management of COVID-19 from Ugandan medicinal plants. At the 20th NAPRECA Symposium from 18th -20th September 2023; Harare-Zimbabwe
  1. Obakiro SB, Phytochemical, cytotoxicity and Antimycobacterial stem bark extracts and compounds from Albizia coriaria. At NAPRECA Uganda Conference on 30th September 2022; Makerere University Kampala.
  1. Obakiro SB: Ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry of traditional medicinal plants used in the management of symptoms of tuberculosis in East Africa: a systematic review; At the first International conference on Reimagining the Natural Products Industry in Africa 2021; 5th -7th July 2021; Imperial Royal Hotel Kampala Uganda
  1. Obakiro SB: Exploring Uganda’s Medicinal plants for COVID-19 therapies: At the International Level Webinar on COVID -19 Outbreak, Global Scenario on 23rd June 2020, Deogiri College, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
  1. Obakiro SB, Bunalema L, Ndukui J, Waako JP, Nyatia E. Sub-chronic toxicity profile of Eucalyptus globulus methanolic leaf extract in Wistar rats. At NAPRECA Uganda Conference on 5th April 2019; Makerere University Kampala.
  1. Obakiro SB: Uganda’ medicinal plants hold a solution for the multidrug resistant tuberculosis; At the Pharm Development International conference 2018; 28 -29th November 2018, Moscow, Russia
In The News
Professional Appointments
  • Senior Lecturer Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in 2024 
  • Lecturer Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in 2018 
  •  Ag. Head of Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in 2018
  •  Executive member to the Uganda Pharmacological Society 2021
Research Focus
  • Drug discovery and development from natural products (Ethnopharmacology, medicinal chemistry, Nanotechnology)
  • Analysis of drugs including poisons and their metabolites in biological samples.
  • Food stuffs and environment (Analytical chemistry and toxicology).
  • Medicine access and utilization (Rational drug use)
Courses Taught
MED 2203: Basic Pharmacology and Introduction to Therapeutics
MED 3105 : Chemotherapy of Infectious diseases and malignacies
MED 4105: Therapeutics
MED 3102: Haematological disorders
MED 3103: Gastrointestinal, Digestive and nutritional disorders
MED 3104: Cardiovascular and Respiratory disorders
MED 3201: Endocrine and Metabolic disorders
MED 3202: Urinary and reproductive disorders
MED 3203: Disorders of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems
Committees Served
Faculty of Health Sciences Academic and Library Commitee - (2021-2023)
Faculty of Health Sciences Board - (2022-2025)
Faculty of Health Science Higher Degrees Commitee - (2023-2026)
National Committee for Science week 2021
Uganda Pharmacological Society Executive Commitee - (2024-2026)
Staff Type
Academic Staff