Health
NDA closes over 100 illegal drug outlets in Teso
According to the authority, some of the outlets were operating from unauthorised and substandard premises, while others were unlicensed or employing unqualified personnel to handle and dispense medicines.
The National Drug Authority (NDA) has closed more than 100 illegal drug outlets and impounded medicines worth over sh62m. (Credit: NDA)
By: Vision Reporter, Journalist @New Vision
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The National Drug Authority (NDA) has closed more than 100 illegal drug outlets and impounded medicines worth over sh62m during a week-long enforcement operation in the Teso sub-region.
The operation, conducted in the northeastern part of Uganda, covered Amuria, Kaberamaido, Serere, Kumi and Soroti districts.
In a statement issued on September 5, 2026, NDA said 215 boxes of assorted medicines were impounded from outlets found operating contrary to regulatory requirements.
According to the authority, some of the outlets were operating from unauthorised and substandard premises, while others were unlicensed or employing unqualified personnel to handle and dispense medicines.
NDA warned that such practices pose serious public health risks, including irrational use of medicines, treatment failure and the development of antimicrobial resistance.
The authority said the operation was conducted as part of its mandate to protect and promote public health through the regulation of human and veterinary medicines as well as other healthcare products.
According to the authority, some of the outlets were operating from unauthorised and substandard premises, while others were unlicensed or employing unqualified personnel to handle and dispense medicines.
NDA warned that such practices pose serious public health risks, including irrational use of medicines, treatment failure and the development of antimicrobial resistance.
The authority said the operation was conducted as part of its mandate to protect and promote public health through the regulation of human and veterinary medicines as well as other healthcare products.
Operators whose medicines were impounded were advised to visit the NDA North Eastern regional office in Soroti city for guidance on meeting regulatory requirements.
NDA also directed all unlicensed drug outlets and operators to cease operations until they fulfil the required licensing conditions.
The authority said the 2027 licensing cycle had already commenced for both licence renewals and new applications.
Members of the public were urged to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and drug shops and to report suspected drug-related offences to the authority through its toll-free line, 0800 101 999, or WhatsApp line, 0740002070.
NDA also directed all unlicensed drug outlets and operators to cease operations until they fulfil the required licensing conditions.
The authority said the 2027 licensing cycle had already commenced for both licence renewals and new applications.
Members of the public were urged to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and drug shops and to report suspected drug-related offences to the authority through its toll-free line, 0800 101 999, or WhatsApp line, 0740002070.