The Parliament of Uganda passed the National Drug and Health Products Authority Bill, 2025, at its third Reading, marking a major step in strengthening the regulation of drugs, health products, and pharmacies across the country. Once assented, the law will establish the National Drug and Health Products Authority as the central regulatory body overseeing the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, and use of drugs and a wide range of health products, including medical devices, cosmetics, nutritional supplements, diagnostics, biologicals, and vaccines.

The law introduces strict rules governing the advertisement and promotion of drugs. Under Clause 46, any drug advertisement must first be submitted to the Authority for approval. The clause also states a drug shall not be advertised or promoted as a drug if that product is not a drug and the drug shall not be represented as usable for any purpose other than that for which it has been registered. Violators face significant penalties: individuals risk fines of up to Shs400 million or imprisonment for up to 15 years, while corporate bodies face fines of up to Shs3 billion.

The legislation also strengthens the licensing and operation requirements for pharmacies and drug shops. Pharmacies must be licensed by the Authority and designate a qualified pharmacist to dispense medicines. Operating a pharmacy without following these regulations carries fines not exceeding Shs100 million for corporates and Shs50 million or 10 years maximum imprisonment for individuals or both. Drug shops must also be licensed, and violations may result in fines of up to Shs500,000 or five years imprisonment, or both.

The Health Committee emphasized that strict regulation is essential because improper sale, storage, or dispensing of medicines poses serious risks to public health. The law distinguishes between pharmacies and drug shops to ensure proper standards for premises, storage, and professional accountability in Uganda’s medicines supply chain.

Experts say the law is a landmark move toward ensuring that Ugandans access safe and quality drugs and health products, while also enforcing professionalism and accountability in the pharmaceutical sector.