The National Drugs Authority (NDA) in partnership with the Uganda Police has successfully impounded an array of drugs valued at 69 million shillings from unlicensed drug outlets across Lango sub-region.
Conducted over five days, the compliance enforcement operation targeted six districts, including Apac, Alebtong, Kole, Oyam, Lira District, and City. The joint effort resulted in the closure of 216 drug outlets operating without proper licenses or employing unqualified personnel. Additionally, authorities recovered 268 boxes of assorted medicines.
Zablon K. Igirikwayo, the manager of NDA’s Lira branch, highlighted that unlike previous operations covering ten districts, this recent endeavor focused on just six areas due to their notably low compliance levels.
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Igirikwayo expressed concerns about community members shielding unlicensed practitioners, stating that these individuals provide swift but often questionable solutions at lower costs, hindering the effectiveness of such operations.
However, Samuel Kyomukama, the Head of Enforcement, emphasized NDA’s commitment to ensuring public safety despite these challenges. He urged the public to purchase drugs exclusively from licensed pharmacies and drug shops.
Dr. Anthony Ogwal, the Lira District Veterinary Officer, believes that these operations, coupled with community sensitization efforts by veterinary extension workers, will help eliminate unlicensed drug outlets from the community.
The core responsibility of the National Drugs Authority (NDA) is to safeguard public health by effectively regulating human and animal medicines as well as healthcare products. Their collaborative efforts with the Uganda Police aim to ensure the availability of safe and authorized medical resources for the public’s welfare.
