Government Drugs Are Free, NDA Tells Ugandans After Arrests Over Illegal Sale

The National Drug Authority (NDA) has warned Ugandans against buying government medicines, emphasizing that they are intended to be distributed free of charge. The Authority has urged the public to report anyone found selling government-supplied drugs.

The warning follows an overnight operation in which NDA officials arrested two suspects who were allegedly transporting government medicines for sale. The seized drugs are valued at approximately shs.22 million.

The Authority has repeatedly cracked down on the sale of counterfeit medicines and the illegal sale of government drugs that are meant to be provided free of charge. At the NDA headquarters, large quantities of confiscated medicines from previous operations remain in storage.

The suspects arrested during the latest operation include Godfrey Bwambale and another individual believed to have been assisting him. According to NDA Public Relations Officer Fred Kabuye, they were found in possession of government medicines worth about shs 22 million.

"This is not the first time the main suspect has been arrested for this offence. He had previously been apprehended, but the case could not proceed because the evidence against him was lost," Kabuye said.

Kabuye called on Ugandans to remain vigilant and refrain from purchasing government medicines.

"Government medicines are provided free of charge. We urge the public not to buy them and to report anyone found selling them," he said.

He also cautioned the public against self-medication, advising people to seek proper medical diagnosis before taking or purchasing any medication.

Meanwhile, NDA officials intercepted another consignment of medicines that was allegedly being smuggled into Uganda through the Mpondwe border. The drugs were labelled as sexual enhancement medicines.

"These medicines pose a serious risk to public health. We advise Ugandans not to buy or use them," Kabuye warned