By: Boy Fidel Leon
For the unlicensed drug dealers of North Eastern Uganda, the time of unchecked rule is over.
The National Drug Authority (NDA) has concluded a week-long compliance enforcement operation across Soroti, Ngora, Bukedea, Kaberamaido, and Moroto districts, shutting down more than 20 illegal drug outlets, including five pharmacies, and arresting five individuals for practising without valid licences.
In the sweep, NDA also impounded over 200 boxes of assorted medicines valued at UGX 100 million, citing concerns that poorly regulated drugs pose serious health risks.
According to Section 14(3) of the National Drug Policy and Authority Act, Cap 198, no person is permitted to carry on the business of a pharmacist without a valid licence.
The National Drug Authority (NDA) explained that the rapid spread of unlicensed drug outlets poses a serious risk to community safety. Many of these outlets dispense medicines through unqualified personnel, store drugs under poor conditions that compromise quality, and promote irrational use.
Such practices not only lead to treatment failures but also fuel antimicrobial resistance and dangerous adverse reactions.
“Operating without a licence creates significant lapses in drug regulation, exposing the public to multiple risks,” the Authority cautioned in its statement.
The enforcement drive, officials said, falls squarely within NDA’s mandate to regulate human and animal medicines, as well as healthcare products, in order to protect and promote public health.
Operators whose drugs were seized have been directed to report to the NDA North Eastern regional office in Soroti City for compliance guidance and possible reclamation of their stock.
NDA has urged all unlicensed operators to immediately cease business and align with the country’s legal requirements.
At the same time, the public has been advised to buy medicines only from licenced pharmacies and drug shops and to remain vigilant.
“We also urge the public to report any suspected drug-related crimes via our toll-free line 0800 101 999 or WhatsApp line 0740 002 070,” the Authority stated, reaffirming its motto: “Your safety is our priority.” Safe Drugs Save Lives.
The crackdown also highlights a long-standing dilemma: many rural communities rely on unlicensed sellers because licenced pharmacies are concentrated in urban centres. For villagers living miles from the nearest health facility, an unregulated drug shop may be the only option for quick relief.
While the NDA insists that safety cannot be compromised, experts argue that enforcement should be paired with investment in expanding access to affordable, licenced drug outlets in underserved regions. Without this balance, enforcement risks driving the trade further underground, leaving communities more vulnerable.
The National Drug Authority (NDA) was established in 1993 under the National Drug Policy and Authority Act, with a mandate to regulate the importation, production, distribution, and use of human and veterinary medicines in Uganda. Its role extends to overseeing medical devices, food supplements, and other healthcare products to ensure they meet safety and quality standards.
Over the years, NDA has spearheaded campaigns against counterfeit drugs, promoted rational drug use, and worked to strengthen the country’s pharmaceutical sector. Its enforcement operations, such as the one in North Eastern Uganda, are central to protecting the public from unsafe medical practices.
The closure of these outlets underscores a wider challenge facing Uganda’s health sector: balancing access to medicines in rural areas with strict adherence to safety standards. While some communities may turn to unlicensed sellers out of necessity, the NDA insists that public health cannot be compromised.