The National Drug Authority (NDA) has closed more than 20 illegal drug outlets and impounded medicines worth over UGX 100 million during a week-long enforcement operation in North Eastern Uganda.
The crackdown, which covered Soroti, Ngora, Bukedea, Kaberamaido, and Moroto districts, also led to the arrest of five individuals accused of practicing as pharmacists without valid licenses. Their actions contravened Section 14(3) of the National Drug Policy and Authority Act, Cap 198.
Among the closed facilities were five pharmacies found operating outside legal requirements. More than 200 boxes of assorted medicines were confiscated.
In a statement, the NDA warned that unlicensed operations create dangerous gaps in drug regulation. “Drugs being dispensed and handled by unqualified personnel, poor storage of medicines, and irrational drug use can result in serious consequences such as antimicrobial resistance, treatment failures, and adverse drug reactions,” the Authority noted.
Officials emphasized that the operation aligns with NDA’s mandate to safeguard public health through the regulation of human and animal medicines, as well as healthcare products.
The NDA advised owners of outlets whose stock was seized to report to its North Eastern regional office in Soroti City for compliance guidance and to reclaim their medicines.
The Authority further directed all unlicensed operators to cease business immediately and meet the legal requirements for selling drugs in Uganda. It also urged the public to buy medicines only from licensed pharmacies and drug shops and to report any suspected drug-related crimes.
