The Uganda National Drug Authority (UNDA) closed 51 drug shops in Kayunga and Mukono districts on Friday due to alleged non-compliance with regulatory standards.

The Standard learnt that during the operation, at least 84 boxes of assorted medicines worth Shs 21 million were seized.

The crackdown focused on Nakifuma Sub-county, Mukono Municipality, and Kayunga Town Council, where drug shops have been operating without licenses for nearly three years.

According to UNDA, operators of these shops are required to have qualifications in nursing or pharmacy technology, but many lack the necessary academic documents, compromising the quality of healthcare in their communities. Four operators were found without certified academic documents from the Professional Nursing Council, making it impossible for drug inspectors to verify their credentials.

Zayyid Mwondha, UNDA’s southeastern regional manager, stated that the operation targeted consistently non-compliant drug shop owners despite ongoing efforts to encourage reform.

Mwondha emphasized UNDA’s commitment to increasing sensitization efforts to achieve 100 percent compliance across the country, aiming to enhance voluntary adherence to regulations.

Rahmah Namuddu, a drug shop operator in Kayunga district, criticized the cumbersome licensing process, which takes nearly three months and requires costly physical follow-up from her operational area to Jinja city, where the NDA offices are located.

In response, Mwondha explained that district drug inspectors are mandated to follow up on applications and attributed delays to applicants’ failure to submit requirements on time.