Health
82 outlets closed, drugs impounded in latest NDA enforcement operation
Assorted medicines worth over 150 million shillings were impounded and 82 illegally-operating drug outlets were closed.
The National Drug Authority (NDA) impounded over 165 boxes of assorted medicines worth over 150 million shillings in its enforcement operation in western region. (Credit: NDA)
By: Admin ., Journalists @New Vision
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NDA OPERATION
The National Drug Authority (NDA) says it has wrapped up a week-long compliance enforcement operation targeting illegal drug outlets in the western region.
The crackdown specifically covered the districts of Kassanda, Mubende, Kabarole and Mityana.
In a press statement on Friday (September 26), NDA said the operation led to the closure of 82 drug outlets as well as the impounding of over 165 boxes of assorted medicines worth over 150 million shillings.
Additionally, a police case was registered — involving an illegal veterinary pharmacy in Fort Portal city.
Here, the operator was arrested and charged with two counts:
▪️ Carrying on the business of a pharmacist without a valid license, contrary to Section 14(3) of the National Drug Policy and Authority Act, Cap 198
▪️ unlawful possession of classified drugs contrary to Section 27(2) of the same law
Following their just-concluded operation, NDA warned the public that operating without a license exposes them to serious risks.
Such risks include unqualified personnel handling medicines, which can lead to irrational drug use, treatment failure, antimicrobial resistance, among others.
"This operation is in line with NDA’s mandate to protect and promote public health through effective regulation of human and animal medicines, as well as healthcare products," said NDA publicist Abiaz Rwamwiri (pictured below, right).
"NDA advises operators of outlets whose drugs were impounded to visit our Western regional office in Hoima City for compliance guidance and to reclaim their drugs."
In the wake of the western region operation, the drug agency directed all unlicensed operators to "immediately cease operations and comply with the legal requirements" for selling drugs and healthcare products in Uganda.
"We also urge the public to buy drugs from licensed pharmacies and drug shops, and to report any suspected drug-related crimes via our toll-free line 0800 101 999 or WhatsApp line 0740 002 070," added Rwamwiri.
All operators have also been urged to prepare for the official opening of the 2026 licensing cycle in October, as the 2025 licensing cycle comes to a close.