Fake hypertension drug impounded, suspects arrested

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Uganda Police, working with the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) and the National Drug Authority (NDA), have arrested suspected scammers who were impersonating UHI doctors to sell fake hypertension drugs.

The culprits, operating under the names Hyper Guard and Living it Dream Agency, allegedly used official videos and photos of the UHI executive director, Dr John Omagino, and consultant cardiologist and researcher, Dr Emmy Okello, to falsely demonstrate how the drug works.

The executive director of Uganda Heart Institute Dr John Omagino addressing journalists at Wandegeya Police station. Looking on is Dr Emmy Okello a cardiologist at Uganda Heart Institute.(Photo by Agnes Kyotalengerire)

The suspects also manipulated doctors’ voices using artificial intelligence (AI), producing imitations that gave false credibility to the information.

Their adverts were reportedly broadcast on television and social media platforms, deceiving many people.

Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire confirmed the arrest. He said the investigation, which began last week as a case of computer misuse and publishing false information, led to the recovery of the drugs and the arrest of Nicholas Ogenga, who was found with the drugs in his bags in Nakasero, a Kampala city suburb.

He added that the NDA is investigating further and will soon release a report.

The deputy spokesperson of the Kampala Metropolitan Police Luke Owoyesigire addressing journalists at Wandegeya Police Station on August 18 2025. (Photo by Agnes Kyotalengerire)

Preliminary findings indicate that the drugs are unknown and have not been cleared for use in Uganda. The suspects conducted sales and advertising online, contacting people by phone before making deliveries.

Owoyesigire appealed to the public to alert the NDA or consult relevant authorities if they encounter the drugs, to aid in further arrests and impounding.

He was speaking during a joint press briefing organised by the Uganda Heart Institute, Uganda Police, and the National Drug Authority at Wandegeya Police Station on August 18, 2025.

Hypertension is often described as a “silent killer” because many people live with it unknowingly. If untreated, it can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and sudden death.

The National Drug Authority (NDA) public relations manager Abbias Rwamwiri displaying the impounded fake drugs at Wandegeya Police station. (Photo by Agnes Kyotalengerire)

Globally, hypertension affects more than 1.2 billion people, while in Africa, nearly one in every three adult lives with the condition. In Uganda, studies show that about 26% of adults have high blood pressure, meaning at least one in four is likely to be hypertensive. Alarmingly, most are unaware of their condition, as it often has no symptoms until advanced stages.

Dr Omagino said those behind such scams prey on vulnerable patients, offering false hope while selling the drugs at exorbitant prices.

He added that the suspects were using their names to market fake products without their knowledge, profiting at the expense of people’s health.

Dr Okello said the institute became aware of the scam after concerned patients called to verify whether the adverts were genuine.

The NDA public relations manager, Abbias Rwamwiri, confirmed that the drug is not authorised. He also noted that it was packaged in an empty box without a leaflet containing user information such as side effects.

Manpower booster impounded

During the same operation, the NDA also recovered another product known as Long Jack XXXL Manpower Booster.

Suspect Nicholas Ogenga being paraded at Wandegeya Police station. (Photo by Agnes Kyotalengerire)

“None of these products are authorised by National Drug Authority and chances are high that they are counterfeited,” Rwamwiri said.

He added that samples have been sent to the NDA laboratory for analysis, and the results will be shared once available.

Rwamwiri urged Ugandans to remain vigilant, warning that drug-related crimes often occur within communities.