The National Drug Authority (NDA) is a government agency responsible for regulating drugs within the country. Established in 1993 by the National Drug Policy and Authority Statute, which evolved into the National Drug Policy and Authority (NDP/A) Act, Cap. 206 in 2000, the NDA began its operations in 1994. Its mission is to ensure the availability of essential, safe, efficacious, and cost-effective drugs for Uganda’s population, thereby contributing to satisfactory healthcare and promoting appropriate drug use.
NDA’s mandate is to ensure the continuous availability of essential drugs, providing satisfactory healthcare and ensuring the safe and appropriate use of medicines across Uganda. Its vision is to become a world-class drug regulatory agency, while its mission emphasizes protecting and promoting human and animal health through the effective regulation of drugs and healthcare products. The organization upholds values such as care for Ugandans, pride in its work, integrity, team spirit, and embracing new knowledge and innovation.
Located at Rummee Towers on Nakasero Hill in Kampala, the NDA operates under Section 5 of the NDP/A Act, Cap. 206, which outlines its functions. These include regulating pharmacies and drugs, controlling the importation, exportation, and sale of pharmaceuticals, ensuring drug quality, promoting local production, encouraging research into herbal medicines, and providing guidance to the Minister on implementing the National Drug Policy. Additionally, it establishes professional guidelines and disseminates information to healthcare professionals and the public.
In 2014, the NDA’s mandate was expanded to cover food regulation, cosmetics, food additives, supplements, and animal feeds, acknowledging the need for comprehensive regulation to safeguard public health. The agency’s quality policy focuses on ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of drugs and healthcare products under the guiding principle “Safe Drugs Save Lives.” This commitment includes reliable service, compliance with statutory requirements, and robust control over pharmaceutical production and distribution.
NDA promotes the rational use of drugs, educates the public on the dangers of self-medication, counterfeit drugs, and the importance of adhering to prescribed treatments. These initiatives help combat drug resistance and improve health outcomes. The NDA’s role in ensuring access to safe medications supports public health while adapting to emerging challenges in drug regulation.