By Nansubuga Jane
The National Drug Authority (NDA) has reported the closure of 900 illegal drug outlets in Kampala Extra Region following a three-month compliance enforcement operation targeting unlicensed operators and substandard drug storage.
Addressing the media, NDA Senior Inspector of Drugs, Alfred Akali , revealed that the operation covered key suburbs, including Nansana, Kira, Makindye, Nakawa, Kawempe, Rubaga, Kyengera, Bweyogerere, Kajjansi, Kasangati, Entebbe, Matugga, and Bulenga.
He confirmed that over 2,000 boxes of assorted medicines and 740 tins of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), valued at over shs1 billion, were recovered.
“The operation targeted outlets mapped and engaged by our regional team. These premises either had no licenses, employed unqualified staff, or failed to meet minimum standards for drug storage,” Akali said.
Three individuals were arrested during the operation for possessing government-issued medicines meant to be distributed for free, including ARVs and malaria drugs.
The suspects are due for trial at the Standards and Utility Court in Makindye on January 5, 2025.
NDA Public Relations Manager, Abiaz Rwamwiri, emphasized the value of the operation, revealing that this year alone, the NDA has recovered drugs worth over shs4 billion, most of which were government-supplied medicines.
He expressed concern over the rampant smuggling of these drugs into neighboring countries such as Congo, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic, where they are sold at a premium.
“Our intelligence shows these stolen medicines are fueling a black market. While they are cheaper here, they are smuggled out and sold at higher prices abroad, denying Ugandans access to essential health resources,” Rwamwiri noted.
NDA urged operators of closed outlets to visit their Kampala Extra Regional Office at Akamwesi Mall for compliance guidance and reclamation of their impounded drugs.
“We aim to ensure only licensed pharmacies and drug shops operate. These impounded drugs will be held until operators comply with regulatory standards,” Akali reiterated.
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