The National Drug Authority (NDA) has impounded unauthorized medicines valued at Shs125 million during a week-long compliance and enforcement operation conducted across Northern Uganda.
According to Abiaz Rwamwiri, the NDA Public Relations Manager, the operation targeted illegal drug outlets and unlicensed pharmacies in Kitgum, Kwania, Amolatar, Pader, and Gulu districts.
Rwamwiri said the enforcement team closed 45 drug outlets, including pharmacies and drug shops found operating without valid licenses. During the operation, authorities confiscated 189 boxes of assorted medicines and arrested seven individuals accused of illegal possession of government drugs.
Those arrested include:
- Odiya Alexander, Director of Health Care Drug Shop in Acholibur;
- Kizza Emmanuel, Director of Mighty Medical Clinic;
- Omara Emmanuel, Director at Radum Pharmacy;
- Okidia Edmund, operating an illegal drug store in Amolatar;
- Odoch Arnold, running an unauthorized drug outlet; and
- Ogwang Alexander, found operating an illegal pharmacy.
Rwamwiri said the suspects will face charges of illegal possession of government stores and operating unlicensed pharmaceutical businesses.
The NDA’s Regional Inspector for Northern Uganda, Mr. Igirikwayo Zablon, noted that many illegal drug stores were identified through community intelligence and surveillance efforts. He warned that such unregulated operations expose drugs to degradation and expiry, posing serious health risks to the public.
“We urge the public to cooperate with NDA to help eliminate these illegal drug outlets from communities,” Igirikwayo said.
Records from the NDA indicate that the most commonly stolen medicines include anti-malarials, antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), and HIV testing kits, which are often diverted from government health facilities.
The NDA says it will continue nationwide enforcement operations to protect the public from substandard and counterfeit medicines and ensure compliance with pharmaceutical regulations.
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