Medicine worth over sh40 million has been impounded from drug outlets found operating without licences as well as those with unqualified personnel in eastern Uganda.

The five-day operation targetting illegal drug outlets was conducted by the National Drug Authority (NDA).

NDA teams combed facilities in four districts: Kumi, Serere, Soroti and Soroti City.

During the crackdown, 53 drug outlets, including two pharmacies, were closed.

Two hawkers found selling human medicine in Katine and Kasilo shift markets were also arrested.

“This operation is in line with NDA’s mandate to protect and promote public health through effective regulation of human and animal medicines, and healthcare products,” NDA said in a statement shared on X, formerly Twitter.

“NDA informs the operators of outlets whose drugs have been impounded to visit our northeastern offices in Soroti city to be guided on how to comply in order to receive their drugs.

“All operators who are still operating without licenses or supervising unqualified personnel are hereby directed to halt all operations until the licensing requirements are fulfilled.”

NDA urged the public to “always buy drugs only from licensed pharmacies and drug shops and remain vigilant”.

The organization also rallied the public to report anyone suspected to be involved in drug crimes on the NDA toll-free line (0800 101 999) or their WhatsApp line (0740 002 070).

A government-owned organization, NDA is mandated to regulate drugs in the country, including their manufacture, importation, distribution and licensing.