news 11 November 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Bailed Man Rearrested in Mpigi for Impersonating NDA Inspector

Don Byakatonda has been rearrested in Mpigi District for allegedly impersonating a National Drug Authority inspector and attempting to extort money from a drug shop operator, just months after being released on bail for similar offenses. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/bailed-man-rearrested-in-mpigi-for-impersonating-nda-inspector-5666432

Security operatives in Mpigi District have rearrested a man accused of moving around pretending to be a health inspector attached to the National Drug Authority (NDA). The suspect, identified as Don Byakatonda, was apprehended on Monday while reportedly executing a familiar extortion scheme at Trinity Drug Shop.

According to NDA spokesperson Abiaz Rwamwiri, Byakatonda had entered the premises under the guise of conducting routine regulatory checks. He allegedly confronted the operator, claimed the business lacked a valid operating license, and demanded cash to overlook the supposed violation. Swift intervention by enforcement officers led to his capture right at the scene.

Speaking to the press, Rwamwiri noted that the suspect had only recently regained his freedom after securing bail at the Kajjansi Chief Magistrate Court. Byakatonda had spent roughly ten months on remand following a previous arrest in November last year over identical allegations before a magistrate granted him temporary release on health grounds.

During a media briefing, the suspect defended his actions by claiming he leads a non-governmental organization called the Professional Health, Ethics and Legal Initiative. He asserted that his group performs unannounced undercover operations to expose professional misconduct among health workers across the country.

Nonetheless, the NDA dismissed his justification, emphasizing that statutory drug inspection remains exclusively within the mandate of the authority. Officials reiterated that any external monitoring or research activity requires formal clearance from the agency, which Byakatonda reportedly lacked.

The latest incident has been officially logged at Mpigi Police Station under reference SD/40/9/11/26. Authorities confirmed that the suspect will soon be arraigned before the Mpigi Chief Magistrate’s Court to face fresh charges of impersonation.

In light of the incident, the NDA has cautioned proprietors of pharmacies and drug shops to remain vigilant. Operators have been advised to demand official identification from anyone claiming to be an inspector and to immediately report any suspicious demands or intimidation to the relevant authorities.