Health 19 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
NDA Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Herbal Medicine Sales
The National Drug Authority (NDA) has initiated a countrywide operation to curb the illegal advertising and sale of unregistered herbal products, citing significant health risks to the public. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nda-starts-nationwide-crackdown-on-illegal-herbal-medicine-sales-5638502
The National Drug Authority (NDA) has commenced a nationwide campaign to stop the illegal sale and promotion of herbal medicines. This operation targets vendors who use public address systems to market unapproved concoctions, many of which make unsubstantiated claims about curing various ailments.
“The new law clearly specifies and gives National Drug Authority full control over drugs, whether herbal or conventional,” stated NDA spokesperson Abiaz Rwamwiri. He highlighted that the mobility of these hawkers makes it challenging for regulators to track them, especially when consumers experience adverse effects or treatment failures.
The risks associated with unregulated herbal remedies are substantial. Medicines sold in open markets, buses, or on streets are exposed to environmental factors that can degrade their quality and efficacy. Furthermore, the lack of scrutiny means that substandard or falsified drugs can reach the public, potentially leading to treatment failures, drug resistance, and increased healthcare costs for consumers.
One suspect was recently apprehended in Rubanda District for allegedly selling herbal products claimed to be imported from Tanzania and China. These products were advertised as treatments for conditions ranging from male impotence to ulcers and kidney problems. The NDA plans to test these products for potential adulteration, particularly with substances like Viagra, given the claims made.
Despite the crackdown, the NDA emphasized that the operation is not aimed at legitimate herbal medicine practitioners. The authority has a dedicated department to support registered herbalists and has already approved over 250 locally produced herbal products, as well as those from international sources. The focus remains on ensuring that all medicines, whether conventional or herbal, undergo proper regulatory oversight for public safety.
Offenders caught engaging in illegal advertising, possession, or supply of unregistered drugs face prosecution under the National Drug and Health Products Authority Act. The NDA considers unregulated drug hawking a growing public health emergency that compromises both drug quality and the integrity of the drug supply chain.