The National Drug Authority (NDA) has closed 108 drug outlets in Teso for operating outside the required regulatory standards and impounded 275 boxes of assorted medicines valued at more than Shs82 million. The enforcement operation covered Amuria, Kaberamaido, Serere, Kumi, Katakwi and Soroti City, targeting unlicensed drug outlets and makeshift markets involved in the sale and distribution of medicines.
Dr Tom Makumbi, the NDA Regional Drug Inspector for Teso, said the operation was aimed at protecting the public from unsafe medicines and unqualified drug handlers. He said several outlets were operating without licences, while others were found in unauthorised or substandard premises.
The authority also found outlets employing unqualified personnel to handle, dispense and distribute medicines. “Medicines are not ordinary commodities that can be handled by anyone. They require proper storage, professional handling, and responsible dispensing because mistakes can have serious consequences for patients,” Makumbi said.
He warned that allowing unqualified persons to prescribe or dispense medicines could result in irrational drug use, treatment failure, and contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Makumbi said the proliferation of unlicensed outlets also undermines legitimate health service providers while exposing members of the public to unnecessary health risks.
“Every medicine that reaches the public must meet the required standards and must be handled by people who understand its proper use. When this chain is compromised, it is the patient who ultimately pays the price,” he said.The authority has directed operators whose medicines were impounded to report to the NDA Northeastern Regional Office in Soroti City for guidance on compliance.
Makumbi warned unlicensed operators to stop their activities until they meet all licensing requirements. “NDA directs all unlicensed premises and operators to cease operations immediately until all licensing requirements are in place and they have procured licenses,” he said.
The enforcement comes amid concerns over the growing number of drug outlets operating outside the formal regulatory framework, particularly in rural communities where access to qualified health professionals remains limited.
Makumbi urged the public to buy medicines only from licensed drug outlets and to report suspected illegal operators to the authorities. He said communities have an important role in complementing regulatory enforcement by refusing to patronise unlicensed outlets.
“The fight against unsafe medicines cannot be won by enforcement agencies alone. The public must also become part of the solution by refusing to support illegal operators and reporting suspicious outlets,” Makumbi said.
He said the latest operation should serve as a warning to people entering the medicines business without complying with regulatory requirements. The NDA said enforcement operations will continue to ensure that medicines supplied to the public are sourced, stored, handled and dispensed through licensed and professionally managed outlets-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
