The National Drug Authority (NDA) officials, in collaboration with the police in the Elgon region, closed 149 illegal drug outlets and confiscated drugs valued at Shs80 million during a five-day compliance enforcement operation in 11 districts of Eastern Uganda.
The affected districts include Mbale City, Butaleja, Busia, Budaka, Pallisa, Kapchorwa, Kween, Sironko, Bukwo, Mbale District, and Bududa. NDA’s Head of Enforcement, Mr. Samuel Kyomukama, disclosed that the closed outlets lacked the necessary qualifications and licenses mandated by the law. The week-long operation resulted in the impoundment of approximately 311 boxes of assorted medicines.
While Mr. Kyomukama mentioned the confiscation of medicines worth Shs80 million, he assured that the impounded drugs would be returned to the owners after clearing with the NDA.
Dr. David Kagwa, the NDA regional manager, highlighted the prevalence of smuggled drugs entering from neighboring Kenya through borders like Malaba, Busia, Lwakhakha, and Bukwo in the eastern region. Notably, smuggled drugs, such as Lonart and Kifaru, unregistered in Uganda, are transported into the country clandestinely, often in buses during nighttime.
Dr. Phillip Wakimwere, the Mbale District Veterinary Officer, raised concerns about the widespread availability of substandard and counterfeit animal drugs, particularly acaricides, exacerbating challenges in disease control.
Highlighting a growing issue, Mr. Henry Musana, a health officer, emphasized the surge in self-drug medication practices in the country. He expressed the dangers associated with self-medicating, including the risk of lives, drug resistance, and increased chances of fatalities.
