By Gloria Gwitabinji
Parliament has begun processing the National Drug and Health Products Authority Bill, 2025 at second reading, a move that could reshape how medicines and health products are regulated in Uganda.
The Bill proposes the creation of a central authority to oversee the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution and use of drugs and other health products. It also expands the regulatory scope beyond medicines to include medical devices, cosmetics, diagnostics, vaccines, biologicals, nutritional supplements and other public health products.
Presenting the report, the Chairperson of the Health Committee, Hon. Joseph Ruyonga, said the proposed law is expected to strengthen quality control, safety and access to health products across the country.
The committee noted that weak regulation, particularly at the level of drug shops, continues to pose risks to public health. It observed that improper storage, sale and dispensing of medicines can have serious consequences if not tightly controlled.
Lawmakers are now pushing for stricter oversight, requiring drug shops to operate within clearly defined limits, meet set standards for premises and storage, and avoid handling medicines they are not authorised to dispense. The committee also stressed the need to clearly separate the roles of drug shops and pharmacies to maintain professional standards in the medicines supply chain.
The Bill introduces tougher penalties for those operating outside the law. Companies found in violation could face fines of up to Shs100 million, while individuals risk a fine of Shs50 million or up to 10 years in prison, or both.
It also makes licensing mandatory for pharmacies, including the requirement to have a qualified pharmacist responsible for dispensing medicines.
Operators of unlicensed drug shops would face a fine of up to Shs500,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
The Bill now moves through Parliament for further scrutiny, with lawmakers expected to debate its provisions before final approval.
