The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda has expressed strong opposition to the stringent penalties proposed in the National Drug and Health Products Authority Bill, 2025, citing concerns that the new measures could severely disrupt the country’s pharmaceutical and herbal medicine industries.
Appearing before Parliament’s Health Committee, the Society’s Secretary, Stephen Lutoti, criticized the Ministry of Health for proposing heavy fines and jail terms for drug-related offences under the new bill.
According to the proposed law, companies that manufacture, distribute, or supply unregistered drugs could face fines of up to UGX 60 million, while individuals found guilty of the same offence may face a fine of up to UGX 10 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
Lutoti argued that these penalties were excessive and disproportionate, particularly because they applied equally to individuals and corporate entities.
He questioned why the same punishment was being proposed for vastly different offenders, noting that individuals typically lack the financial capacity and operational scale of registered companies.
Clause 21(1) of the bill prohibits the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, supply, or dispensing of any drug unless it is registered or notified by the Authority.
This restriction is extended to herbal and complementary medicines under Clause 21(2), which requires similar registration or listing before such products can be legally circulated.
Clause 21(8) sets out the penalties: corporate entities face a fine not exceeding UGX 60 million, while individuals face a fine of up to UGX 10 million, a prison term not exceeding 10 years, or both.
Beyond objecting to the proposed sanctions, Lutoti called for amendments to Clause 21(4), which currently permits any individual to apply for a license to manufacture either pharmaceutical or herbal medicines without requiring the oversight of a qualified professional.
He recommended that such applications should only be submitted under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to ensure technical and regulatory compliance.
In addition, Lutoti proposed that the National Drug and Health Products Authority be granted powers to compulsorily acquire patents for emergency drugs in cases where the government is unable to reach a licensing agreement with the patent holder.
He said this provision would be critical in responding to public health emergencies where access to life-saving medicines must take precedence over commercial interests.
The committee is expected to continue consultations with stakeholders before tabling its final report to Parliament.
By Francis Lubega
23rd Sept 2025
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