FORT PORTAL, Uganda — The National Drug Authority (NDA) has concluded a week-long compliance and enforcement operation across Western Uganda, successfully shutting down 82 illegal drug outlets and seizing medicines valued at over Shs 150 million (approximately $40,000 USD).
The comprehensive operation targeted unlicensed pharmacies and drug shops operating across the districts of Kassanda, Mubende, Kabarole, and Mityana, all in violation of the National Drug Policy and Authority Act.
A key enforcement action took place in Fort Portal City, where the NDA registered a police case against the operator of an illegal veterinary pharmacy.
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The individual was subsequently arrested and formally charged with two statutory offenses: conducting the business of a pharmacist without a valid license (contrary to Section 14(3) of the Act), and unlawful possession of classified drugs (contrary to Section 27(2) of the same law).
According to the NDA, the proliferation of illegal drug operations poses severe public health risks.
These risks include the dispensing of medication by unqualified personnel, the promotion of irrational drug use, instances of treatment failure, and the escalating national threat posed by antimicrobial resistance.
The enforcement action underscores the Authority’s commitment to safeguarding public health through the effective regulation of both human and animal medicines.
