NATIONAL DRUG AUTHORITY CLOSES 152 DRUG SHOPS IN S. WESTERN UGANDA

By Aggrey Twesigye
in Mbarara—-

The National Drug Authority(NDA) has closed at least 152 drug outlets in south western region.

The outlets were closed during an enforcement operation that started on August 20,2023 and ended on August 25,2023.It covered 11 districts including Mbarara City, Mbarara district, Rwampara, Kiruhura, Ibanda, Isingiro,Kamwenge, Kitagwenda, Ntungamo , Kasese and Mitooma

During the operation ,NDA officials inspected drug outlets.A total of 340 assorted medicine estimated at shillings 85million were impounded.

Addressing the press while at their South Western Regional offices in Mbarara City on Friday, Samuel Kyomukama,the Head of Enforcement at National Drug Authority (NDA) said two people were arrested during the operation in the region.He identified the suspects as Glorias Tumuhimbise and a one Francis who were arrested in Ntungamo and Mitooma district respectively after they found in possession of government drugs.

The suspects were reportedly handed over to Ntungamo, Bushenyi Police Stations for action to be taken against them.

Ronald Mujuni the Mbarara District Veterinary Surgeon tasked the people in the sub region to strictly buy medicines from outlets that are licensed by the National Drugs Authority and take them as prescribed a qualified health worker. He warns that taking medicines bought from unlicensed operators expose people to health risks.

Dr.Kiiza Kenneth NDA Manager for Southern Western Region said they will continue with massive sensitization to ensure that the population gets treatment from qualified health personnel.

In 2022, National Drug Authority conducted similar operations in the region and they were able to close 296 drug outlets after inspecting 742 drug outlets.

During the operation they managed to impound 700 boxes of counterfeit drugs estimated at 252 million in south western region.