The National Drug Authority-NDA has closed 166 illegal drug outlets in the Busoga Sub-region. The outlets lacked licenses and qualified staff to operate such facilities.

NDA also impounded 241 boxes of assorted medicines valued at 80 Million Shillings.

The five-day operation was carried out in Jinja City, Jinja district, Bugiri, Iganga, Mayuge, and Namayingo.

NDA’s head of enforcement, Samuel Kyomukama says that most of the culprits were hesitant to register their drug shops for licensing. He further said that, the dispensing of drugs by unqualified personnel risks the safety of both humans and livestock.

Kyomukama called upon owners of the closed drug shops to validate their registration and licensing protocols, which will enable them to resume operations without any hiccups.

The South Eastern Regional Inspector of Drugs, Zaid Mwondha says that NDA is liaising with district inspectors of drugs to ensure proper licensing of all drug outlets, in a bid to facilitate standardized consumption of drugs within grassroots communities.

Mwondha reveals that they have so far registered 1,200 drug shops in the Busoga sub-region and Kayunga district respectively, with increased compliance, however, operators in rural areas are relaxed about updating their licenses.

The Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson, James Mubi says that they have teamed with NDA to fight drug hawkers in markets and taxi parks.

Mubi adds that, with NDA’s increased sensitization drives in the local communities, members of the general public are vigilant on proper drug consumption practices.