Parliament on Thursday passed the National Drug and Health Products Authority Bill, 2025, against the backdrop of increasing production and circulation of illicit drinks across Uganda.
The enactment followed a dramatic moment on the floor of the House when Dan Kimosho Atwijukire presented a collection of 25 beverage products seized from different parts of the country.
The items, sourced from various companies, were tabled as evidence to prompt urgent legislative action.
Many of the products, lawmakers noted, are marketed as energy boosters or herbal potency enhancers, often promoted through persuasive media advertising despite lacking proper certification.
Members of Parliament raised concern over what they described as a “silent epidemic” of toxic and uncertified drinks flooding the Ugandan market.
The debate highlighted the scale of the crisis, with the illicit alcohol trade now estimated at 6 trillion shillings—accounting for nearly 67% of the country’s total alcohol market.
According to the Minister of Health, Jane Ruth Aceng, the new law seeks to close regulatory gaps by transforming the National Drug Authority into the National Drug and Health Products Authority, with expanded powers to oversee drugs and other health-related products.
The urgency of the legislation is underscored by recent data indicating that illicit trade costs Uganda approximately 2.5 trillion shillings annually in lost tax revenue.
Further statistics show that 67% of alcohol consumed in the country is illicit, 30% of pharmaceuticals pose health risks, and 40% of cement and manufacturing output contributes to economic losses.
Lawmakers expressed hope that the new authority will strengthen enforcement, safeguard public health, and curb the growing impact of illegal and substandard products on the economy.
