Traditional healers in Rukararwe, Mazinga and Kakanju in Igara county, Bushenyi district have received a modern medical laboratory worth Shs 25m from friends in German.

The brain behind the 16-year-old project, former Igara East MP, Nyine Samson Bitahwa, said the equipment is similar to that at Mengo and Mulago hospitals.

He said the equipment will benefit the rural people and save them the cost of travelling to Kampala for check-ups.

Bitahwa said the equipment will start operating by the end of this month.

Rukararwe hospital currently has a small laboratory with no equipment apart from a microscope.

"But the new one will be a hit," he said.

Rukarawe has already set up a Shs 35m medical ward with a capacity of 20 beds based on typical African herbs.

Bitahwa said most herbs are harvested from a nearby 7-acre artificial forest. He said the herbs cure all diseases except AIDS.

He, however, said some herbs are known for their ability to weaken the AIDS virus and prolong life. The person in charge of processing, packaging and dispensing, Kaitas Erifazi, said their clinic opens on Tuesdays and Fridays.