NDA closes 112 illegal drug shops in northern Uganda

The National Drug Authority (NDA) has closed 112 drug outlets and impounded 180 boxes of assorted medicines operating illegally in the Acholi and Lango sub-regions.

During a media briefing at their regional offices in Lira on June 28, 2024, following a four-day targeted enforcement operation, Zabulon Kwizera, the regional inspector of drugs, announced that the impounded drugs are valued at over sh45m.

The operation, supported by the police, spanned the districts of Lira, Alebtong, Kwania, Agago, Kitgum, Amuru, Gulu, and Gulu city.

“This operation aligns with the NDA's mandate to protect and promote public health through the effective regulation of human and animal medicines,” Kwizera stated.

Kwizera urged those whose drug shops were closed and drugs impounded to visit the regional office in Lira for guidance. If they fulfil all compliance requirements, their drugs will be returned.

He also directed all illegal operators to cease operations immediately until they meet the necessary requirements and obtain proper licensing.

“All drug outlets with non-compliance issues, such as unqualified staff, premises without ceilings, drug shops conducting clinical work to inject patients, and drug shops stocking beyond class C, will have their licenses suspended, revoked, or not renewed,” Kwizera stated sternly.

The drug enforcement body faces challenges from people who do not understand the difference between a drug shop and a clinic, causing drug shop owners to offer clinical services.

Tom Makumbi, a senior inspector of drugs, said they have various mechanisms for enforcing compliance, with arrest and prosecution being the last resort as it is also expensive.

In Orupu trading centre, Apala sub-county in Alebtong district, they impounded three boxes of assorted government drugs from a drug shop owned by a health worker from Kole district. Details of the matter are under investigation.

Makumbi explained the challenges faced during compliance enforcement operations, including people fleeing and community interference.

“We have areas where a Primary Three dropout is treating people and sometimes carrying out minor operations. The community trusts such a person so much that they interfere with our work,” he observed.

He specifically mentioned Apaa in Amuru district, Acholi sub-region, where public interference hinders enforcement efforts. Makumbi noted that a man conducting illegal activities is being protected by the community because they believe he is helping them.

How to obtain a license

To operate a licensed drug shop, one must have suitable premises with a good ceiling to control heat and avoid congestion. The drug shop should be about 200 meters away from a licensed drug shop in rural areas and 300 meters in the city.

After identifying the premises, one should visit the NDA or district drug inspector’s office to express interest, so that the premises can be assessed and a license issued.

The NDA is proud that their operations have improved compliance in the region. "Some people have abandoned bad practices and upgraded to pharmacies, which you are now seeing in town," Makumbi noted.