The National Drug Authority (NDA) has impounded assorted medicines valued at over UGX 100 million during a week-long compliance enforcement operation targeting illegal drug outlets in the North Eastern Region.
The operation covered Soroti, Ngora, Bukedea, Kaberamaido, and Moroto districts, where a series of unlicensed and non-compliant drug businesses were closed down.
According to Mr. Tom Makumbi, the North Eastern Regional Inspector of Drugs at the NDA, the operation was aimed at curbing illegal sale and distribution of medicines, which poses significant risks to public health.
He confirmed that more than 20 drug outlets, including five pharmacies, were shut down for operating outside the law.
“Five individuals were arrested for 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,” Makumbi revealed.
He added that during the inspection exercise, authorities confiscated over 200 boxes of assorted medicines, ranging from antibiotics, painkillers, veterinary drugs, and other healthcare products.
The estimated market value of the impounded drugs exceeds UGX 100 million.
Makumbi emphasized that operating without a license undermines drug regulation and exposes the public to grave risks.
He noted that medicines from unlicensed outlets are often dispensed by unqualified individuals, improperly stored, or used irrationally, leading to a range of negative health outcomes.
“These lapses increase the likelihood of antimicrobial resistance, treatment failures, and adverse drug reactions. In the long run, the public bears the burden of weak regulation because lives are put at stake,” Makumbi said.
Health experts have consistently warned that Uganda faces growing threats from antimicrobial resistance, largely fueled by misuse and overuse of antibiotics.
NDA maintains that strengthening drug regulation is one of the key ways to slow down this global health threat.
Mr. Abiaz Rwamwiri, the NDA Public Relations Manager, explained that the crackdown is part of the Authority’s nationwide mandate to protect and promote public health through effective regulation of medicines for both humans and animals, alongside healthcare products.
“The Authority will not relent in its fight against illegal operators. We urge all drug outlet owners to ensure full compliance with licensing requirements. Those whose medicines were impounded should visit our North Eastern regional office in Soroti City for compliance guidance and possible reclamation of their drugs,” Rwamwiri stated.
He further directed all unlicensed operators to immediately cease operations, warning that continued defiance of the law would attract tougher sanctions, including prosecution.
The NDA also appealed to the public to take an active role in protecting themselves against unsafe medicines by purchasing drugs only from licensed pharmacies and drug shops.
“Every Ugandan has the responsibility to safeguard their health by checking for licenses at drug outlets. If you suspect a facility is selling medicines illegally, report it immediately to NDA. Together we can end the circulation of unsafe drugs,” Rwamwiri urged.
Community members across Teso and Karamoja have welcomed the operation, noting that illegal drug sellers have often exploited desperate patients in rural areas by prescribing wrong medicines or inflating prices.
The operation in Teso and Karamoja is part of NDA’s wider national campaign against illegal and non-compliant drug businesses.
Similar enforcement drives have recently been carried out in Western and Central Uganda, with thousands of medicines impounded and several outlets closed.
Analysts note that while such crackdowns are commendable, the persistence of illegal outlets reflects gaps in access to affordable and licensed pharmacies, especially in rural districts.
Residents in hard-to-reach areas often turn to unlicensed drug shops due to convenience, despite the risks.
NDA has promised to step up public education campaigns, encouraging communities to demand quality assurance and report suspicious operators.
At the same time, it is working with local governments to increase the number of licensed outlets in underserved areas.
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