NDA impounds drugs worth sh100m in Teso, Karamoja crackdown

The National Drug Authority (NDA) has impounded drugs worth 100 million shillings during a one-week operation in Teso and Karamoja sub-regions.

It was a targeted enforcement operation aimed at eradicating illegal drug outlets in the two sub-regions.

Tom Makumbi, the regional inspector of drugs at NDA, said the operation will help improve compliance enforcement and professionalism on the part of operators of drug shops and pharmacies by ensuring that their employees work with valid licenses.

As a result, five people were arrested for operating without a valid license, contrary to Section 14 (3) of the National Drug Policy and Authority Act.

Makumbi said the crackdown was conducted in the districts of Soroti, Ngora, Bukedea and Moroto, adding that more than 200 boxes of assorted medicines were impounded.

He said that operating without a license creates significant lapses in drug regulation, exposing the public to multiple risks.

“These include drugs being dispensed and handled by unqualified personnel, poor storage of medicines, and irrational drug use, which can result in serious consequences such as antimicrobial resistance, treatment failures and adverse drug reactions among others."

Abiaz Rwamwiri, the public relations manager NDA addresses the press in Soroti city as Makumbi and Akali look on at their regional offices on Friday. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)

The operation is line with NDA’s mandate to protect and promote public health through effective regulation of human and animal medicines, as well as healthcare products.
The operators of outlets whose drugs were impounded were advised to reclaim their drugs upon adhering to compliance guidance.

“We appeal to all unlicensed operators to immediately cease operations and comply with the legal requirements for selling drugs and healthcare products in Uganda," Abiaz Rwamwiri, the NDA public relations manager, told a press conference in Soroti on Friday.

"We also urge the public to buy drugs only from licensed pharmacies and drug shops, and to report any suspected drug-related crimes to us."

Alfred Akali, the acting head of enforcement at NDA, said the proprietors of many pharmacies and drug shops use unqualified people to operate their facilities because they do not want to invest in employing professionals.

“Due to our vigilance, the rate of unlicensed facilities in the region has reduced to five cases this year as compared to 18 cases filed in court last year,” he said.