By Aggrey Twesigye
www.mknewslink.com
In Mpigi—
The National Drug Authority (NDA) has arrested a man suspected of impersonating its drug inspectors and extorting money from drug shop operators in Mpigi District.
The suspect, identified as Don Byakatonda, was arrested on Monday, November 9, 2026, at Trinity Drug Shop in Mpigi District after allegedly posing as an NDA inspector and demanding money from the operator.
According to NDA spokesperson Abiaz Rwamwiri, the arrest followed a tip-off from the drug shop operator, who alerted the Authority about an individual suspected of impersonating its inspectors.
Rwamwiri said NDA enforcement officers responded to the information and arrested the suspect at the scene.
He explained that the suspect had allegedly accused the drug shop of operating without a valid licence and demanded money from the operator to avoid further action.
Rwamwiri revealed that this was not the first time Byakatonda had been arrested over similar allegations, saying he had previously been arrested at Kajjansi Police under Case No. 117/2025 and charged before Kajjansi Court in Case No. 600/2025, under DPP File No. 1858/2025.
He said the suspect is currently out on bail in the earlier case.
The latest arrest has been registered at Mpigi Police under reference SD/40/9/11/26, and the suspect is expected to appear before the Mpigi Chief Magistrates Court to answer charges of impersonating NDA inspectors.
Rwamwiri urged drug shop owners and operators to always verify the identities of people presenting themselves as NDA inspectors, noting that genuine inspectors carry official identification cards and are required to identify themselves during regulatory operations.
He also cautioned operators against giving money to individuals demanding payments through intimidation or under suspicious circumstances, urging them to report such incidents to the Authority.
Rwamwiri commended the drug shop operator for providing timely information that enabled NDA enforcement officers to apprehend the suspect.
He said the Authority remains committed to protecting public health and ensuring that individuals suspected of engaging in illegal drug-related activities are subjected to the appropriate legal processes.