The National Drug Authority (NDA) has shut down 900 illegal drug outlets in the Kampala Extra Region following a three-month operation targeting unlicensed operators and improper drug storage practices.
NDA Senior Inspector Akali Alfred revealed that the crackdown focused on major areas including Nansana, Kira, Makindye, Nakawa, Kawempe, Rubaga, Kyengera, Bweyogerere, Kajjansi, Kasangati, Entebbe, Matugga, and Bulenga.
During the operation, authorities seized over 2,000 boxes of various medicines and 740 tins of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), valued at over Shs1 billion.
Akali explained that the operation targeted outlets that were either unlicensed, employed unqualified staff, or did not meet the required drug storage standards.
Three individuals were arrested for possessing government-supplied medicines, including ARVs and malaria drugs, meant for free distribution. They are scheduled to appear in the Standards and Utility Court in Makindye on January 5, 2025.
NDA Public Relations Manager Abiaz Rwamwiri highlighted the importance of the operation, noting that over Shs4 billion worth of medicines, mostly government-supplied, had been recovered this year.
He raised concerns about the smuggling of these medicines to countries like Congo, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic, where they are sold at much higher prices.
Rwamwiri emphasized that stolen medicines were being sold abroad at inflated prices, depriving Ugandans of essential healthcare resources.
The NDA urged the operators of the closed outlets to visit their regional office for guidance on compliance and to reclaim their seized medicines.
Akali reiterated that the authority is committed to ensuring only licensed pharmacies and drug shops operate. The impounded drugs will remain in NDA custody until the operators meet regulatory standards.