The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has raised concern over the severe penalties proposed in the National Drug and Health Products Authority Bill, 2025, cautioning that they could undermine the country’s pharmaceutical and herbal medicines industries.
Speaking before Parliament’s Health Committee, PSU secretary Stephen Lutoti opposed the Ministry of Health’s proposal to fine companies up to Shs60 million and jail individuals for up to 10 years for manufacturing, distributing, or supplying unregistered drugs.
He argued that the penalties fail to distinguish between corporate entities and individuals.
“Why should an individual face the same level of punishment as a corporate body, yet companies have higher incomes?” Lutoti asked.
Clause 21(1) of the Bill prohibits anyone from manufacturing, importing, exporting, distributing, supplying, or dispensing a drug unless it is registered or notified by the Authority.
The same restrictions apply to herbal and complementary medicines under Clause 21(2).
The Ministry further proposes under Clause 21(8) that offenders face strict penalties: corporate bodies may be fined up to Shs60 million, while individuals face fines of up to Shs10 million, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both.
Lutoti also called on lawmakers to revise Clause 21(4) to ensure that applications to manufacture drugs—medical or herbal—are made under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist.
He warned that allowing unqualified persons to submit applications risks lowering drug quality and safety.
Additionally, the Society proposed granting the National Drug and Health Products Authority powers to compulsorily take over patents of emergency drugs if the government fails to reach an agreement with patent holders, a move Lutoti said would improve access to life-saving medicines.
Parliament’s Health Committee is still scrutinizing the Bill before it is presented to the House for debate.
