By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
KAMPALA,
The National Drug Authority (NDA) has arrested a prominent herbalist, Ashraf Rashid Lukwago. Lukwago’s arrest comes after weeks of intelligence gathering and follow-up.
According to a statement released by the NDA on Wednesday, Lukwago was arrested for allegedly selling unapproved herbal medicines to the public. The Authority claims that Lukwago had been operating an illegal pharmaceutical business for several years, despite repeated warnings.
“Lukwago has been selling unapproved herbal medicines to unsuspecting members of the public for a long time now. This is a clear violation of our regulations,” said Dr. David Nahamya, the Secretary of the NDA.
Nahamya added that the Authority had received complaints from concerned citizens about the questionable effectiveness of the herbal remedies sold by Lukwago. Some of the herbs were reportedly sold with false claims that they could cure diseases such as HIV and cancer.
“Some of the complainants alleged that Lukwago’s medicines were making them more sick, not better. Others claimed he was ripping them off by charging exorbitant prices for medicines that were not even approved by the NDA,” Nahamya said.
The NDA says it has confiscated several products from Lukwago’s premises in Kampala and has launched an investigation into his activities.
He adds that Rukwago was also operating in a very dirty environment with some of the already finished concoctions kept in a toilet putting the public on risk of acquiring some other strange diseases.
The arrest of Lukwago is part of the NDA’s ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal pharmacies and quack doctors in Uganda. The Authority has warned members of the public against buying medicines from unauthorized sources.
“We urge the public to be vigilant and only buy medicines from licensed pharmacies and drug stores. It is for their own safety,” Nahamya said.
Lukwago is expected to appear in court soon to face charges of selling unapproved medicines.
