Health 14 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
NDA Closes 65 Illegal Drug Shops in Northern Uganda Enforcement Drive
The National Drug Authority shut down over 65 unlicensed drug outlets in Lira, Amolatar, Oyam, and Lira City during a week-long operation, seizing medicines worth Shs37 million. Officials highlighted risks to public health from substandard storage and unlicensed sales, vowing to expand crackdowns. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nda-shuts-65-illegal-drug-outlets-in-northern-uganda-crackdown-5390594
The National Drug Authority (NDA) has ramped up efforts to combat illegal medicine sales in northern Uganda, closing more than 65 outlets across Amolatar, Oyam, Lira, and Lira City in a recent one-week operation.
Enforcement teams confiscated over 150 boxes of assorted pharmaceuticals valued at Shs37 million due to issues like unlicensed operations and improper storage conditions.
NDA spokesperson Abiaz Rwamwiri noted that one operator, Florence Lakot, was arrested in Lira City for practicing pharmacy without a license and appeared in court. Two others, Godfrey Bua and Joel Aporu from Amolatar, remain at large after running shops in unsuitable premises.
Regional Inspector of Drugs Dr. Zablon Igirikwayo emphasized that the action targets greed-driven illegal stores contributing to antimicrobial resistance, treatment failures, and adverse reactions. He pointed to intelligence-led raids in Lango sub-region, where drugs were found in inadequate small rooms.
NDA’s Regional Head of Enforcement Alfred Akali Ayom warned of upcoming operations against drug hawking in buses and taxis, which violates the National Drug Policy and Authority Act. Offenders face up to five years in prison or a Shs1 million fine, with vehicles subject to impoundment.
Authorities urge affected operators to seek compliance advice at the NDA’s Northern Regional office in Lira City, promising safer medicine access for communities.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)