NDA Closes Six Illegal Animal Drug Shops in Kigezi

The National Drug Authority- NDA has closed six illegal veterinary drug shops in the Kigezi Sub region.   The drug shops were closed during an operation conducted from Wednesday to Thursday in the districts of Kabale, Rubanda, Rukiga, Kisoro, Rukungiri, and Kanungu. 

NDA also has impounded three boxes of veterinary medicines estimated at over two million Shillings.   The drug shops that were closed are; Tukamushaba Veterinary drug shop, Byomuhangi Veterinary drug shop, and Hamurwa Veterinary drug shop all in Rubanda district, Bukinda Veterinary drug shop in Rukiga district, Rubuguri Veterinary drug shop in Kisoro district and Ariho Veterinary drug shop in Rukungiri district. 

Addressing a press conference today afternoon at the Kabale District Office Boardroom in Kabale Municipality, the NDA Regulatory Officer Incharge of South Western Robert Eseet says that during their operations, out of 45 veterinary drug shops including one pharmacy they inspected, they found out that the six drug shops were unlicensed, had unqualified personnel, lack proper and functional storage facilities for drugs and were selling veterinary products which are not approved.

He says that the drug shops were closed and given their closure letters, and will only be re-opened after they have fulfilled all the guidelines.   

Kenneth Kiiza, the NDA Western Region Manager also said that they have engaged the owners of the drug outlets to streamline their operations before they are allowed to re-open.   He added that they have interested police in investigating some of the cases, and take action on shop keepers who mix veterinary drugs with general merchandise in shops which they found as a big problem in the region.   

He adds they have engaged the owners of the drug outlets to streamline their operations before they are allowed to re-open. He adds that they have interested police in investigating some of the cases.    

Dr Bernard Kabagambe, the Kabale District Veterinary Officer says that the National Drug Authority should set up functional offices at the district level not on regional level, or assist the district Veterinary Office with fuel, to always be able to reach out to the community to monitor the compliance of the drug shops.   

Edmond Ntimba, the Kabale district Chief Administrative Officer asked NDA to desist from approving cheap medicines into the market. He asked people to always expose and report owners of drug shops whom they suspect to be selling illegal drugs to help the district veterinary office and police to investigate them.   

The Kabale District Police Commander Brian Ampaire who also attended the press conference pledged maximum cooperation to ensure that all drug shops are monitored in conjunction with experts.