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Dr. Omirambe showing the media some of the confiscated drugs By Godwin Abedican Arua Following a one week long compliance enforcement operation in West Nile carried out in the 5 districts of Koboko, Maracha, Yumbe, Obongi and Arua, National Drug Authority (NDA
Dr. Omirambe showing the media some of the confiscated drugs
By Godwin Abedican
Arua
Following a one week long compliance enforcement operation in West Nile carried out in the 5 districts of Koboko, Maracha, Yumbe, Obongi and Arua, National Drug Authority (NDA) West Nile regional office has confiscated 151 boxes of assorted drugs worth 40 million Ugandan shillings from 59 drug outlets operating without licenses or with unqualified personnel.
The operation in alignment with Uganda national drugs authority’s mandate to protect and promote public health through effective regulations of human and animal medicines as well all healthcare products.
Speaking during a press conference at the NDA West Nile regional offices in Arua city on Friday August 9, 2024, after the week long compliance enforcement operation, Dr Emmanuel Omirambe, the Regional Inspector of drugs for west Nile calls upon the public to be vigilant while buying drugs.
“We appeal to the public to always buy drugs from licensed pharmacies and drug shops, and be vigilant to report any crimes or activities related to drugs. When they come to claim their drugs is when we give them information on how to comply. When they fulfil the requirements, we release their drugs after writing an apology letter that they will not operate again in an illegal manner” Dr. Omirambe said.
The drugs when collected, are kept at the NDA stores for administrative measures awaiting the owners to claim and also as a safe place for exhibits in cases that involve one appearing in court to answer charges related to illegal trade in drugs.
Makumbi Tom, Senior Inspector of Drugs at NDA during the press conference.
Photo by Godwin Abedican.
Makumbi Tom, a Senior Inspector of drugs in the enforcement department at NDA acknowledges a significant result of these operations in maintaining public safety and compliance.
“We came to West Nile in 2022, 2023 and 2024. From the previous operations in last financial year, we were able to apprehend about one hundred fourteen (114) outlets that were found to be illegal within two weeks of operations. This time we have 59 outlets. This means that, from the previous financial year, we are seeing almost 50% reduction in the number of illegal outlets. I can therefore report that, there is a general reduction in illegal facilities and a reduction in number of boxes of drugs impounded from these illegal facilities,” Makumbi remarked.
Upon confiscation, NDA gives an ultimatum of 6 months for the owners to claim their drugs in which it is mandatory that, for them to have their drugs released, they must get licenses and meet other requirements to operate drug outlets and failure to comply within the same time frame, NDA goes ahead to destroy (incinerate) the drugs.
In a bid to ensure public safety and individual responsibility in dealing with illegal drug dealers, National Drugs Authority (NDA) gives the platform for public to use the toll free line 0800-101-999 or WhatsApp line 0740-002-070 to report crimes related to drugs.