National Drug Authority has concluded a 5-day compliance enforcement operation targeting drug outlets in the southwestern region covering districts of Ibanda, Isingiro, Kamwenge, Kitagwenda, Kiruhura, Ntungamo, Mbarara, Mbarara City and Rwampara

During the operation, a total of 152 outlets that were operating without licenses or with unqualified personnel were closed and 350 boxes of assorted medicines worth over shs85 million were impounded.

This was disclosed by the head of operations national drug authority, Samuel Kyomukama while addressing a press conference held at the regional offices in Mbarara.

The conference was also attended by an officer from Uganda Police led by the deputy RPC Rwizi Region Bosco Bakashaba and officials from the Mbarara district.

Kyomukama informed the operators of outlets whose drugs have been impounded to visit the NDA South Western regional office to be guided on how to comply if they are to receive their drugs.

Kyomukama warned all operators who are still operating without license or are being supervised by unqualified personnel that they are directed to halt all operations until the licensing requirements are fulfilled. He appealed to the general public to always buy drugs only from pharmacies and drug shops that are licensed.

The press briefing was also attended by officers from Uganda Police. SSP Bosco Bakashaba deputy RPC Rwizi region assured total commitment to support NDA operations to end the illegal sale of drugs.

According to Dr.Kenneth Kiiza, following the enforcement activities in the region, they have 200 licensed pharmacies distributed all over the region.

For drug shops they have licensed 2511 also distributed all over the region and by the end of the year they target to have reached 3000 drug shops.