The National Drug Authority (NDA) has closed more than 45 illegal drug outlets and impounded 189 boxes of assorted medicines worth Shs125 million during a compliance enforcement operation across the Acholi and Lango subregions.
The week-long operation targeted unauthorized drug shops, pharmacies, and stores in Kitgum, Kwania, Amolatar, Pader, and Gulu districts. Six suspects — identified as Moses Ogwal, Edmund Okodi, Haron Odongo, Andrew Omach, Alexander Odiya, and Emmanuel Kiiza — were arrested and remain in police custody pending prosecution.
According to the NDA, the crackdown is part of its ongoing efforts to protect public health by regulating human and veterinary medicines, as well as healthcare products.
The Authority cited major violations including operation of unlicensed and substandard premises, employment of unqualified personnel, and improper dispensing of medicines.
Officials warned that such practices contribute to poor-quality drugs, treatment failures, and rising antimicrobial resistance.
NDA spokesperson Abiaz Rwamwiri said most of the impounded drugs were malaria medicines and diagnostic test kits suspected to have been stolen from government health facilities.
“We have made arrests, impounded drugs, and closed facilities. What we found most were testing kits and malaria drugs. We have the batch numbers and intend to trace the origin of those drugs,” Rwamwiri said.
He added that case files of the suspects have been forwarded to Kampala for further prosecution.
