In a recent enforcement operation conducted by the National Drug Authority (NDA), a total of 152 drug outlets have been shut down across nine districts in South Western Uganda. The operation, which lasted for five days, aimed to ensure compliance with licensing regulations and proper qualifications of medical personnel at these establishments. A significant quantity of assorted medicines valued at over Ss 85 million was also seized during the operation.
The districts that were part of the compliance enforcement operation include Ibanda, Isingiro, Kamwengye, Kitagwenda, Kiruhura, Ntungamo, Mbarara, Kasese, Rwampara, and Mbarara City.
During a media briefing on August 25, Mr. Samuel Kyomukama, the Head of Enforcement at NDA, emphasized that the operation was carried out in accordance with the organization’s mandate to safeguard public health by regulating human and animal medicines as well as healthcare products. He urged operators of the affected outlets to visit NDA’s South Western Uganda regional offices in Mbarara for guidance on compliance in order to retrieve their impounded drugs.
Dr. Ronald Mujuni, the Mbarara District Veterinary Officer, highlighted the issue of unlicensed individuals selling veterinary drugs. He urged NDA to address this concern and ensure that those dealing with veterinary drugs adhere to proper licensing guidelines set by the Uganda Veterinary Board.
Dr. Keneth Kiiza, the South Western Uganda Regional Inspector of Drugs, reported positive outcomes from the enforcement efforts, indicating that many drug shops had taken steps to register with NDA. He noted that the number of licensed pharmacies and drug shops had increased significantly over the years, reflecting improved compliance within the region.
Abiaz Rwamwiri, the Communications Officer of NDA, emphasized that the enforcement operations were crucial to ensure that drug shop workers adhere to the organization’s rules and guidelines, thereby guaranteeing that the drugs available in the market meet required quality standards. He explained that the operation was targeted at addressing those who knowingly violated regulations and stressed that NDA had the legal authority to access crime scenes using reasonable force.
Ultimately, the operation’s primary goal is to promote public health by ensuring that only licensed and compliant drug shops operate in the region.
