Staff Reporter
The National Drug Authority (NDA) has called on traditional and complementary medicine practitioners to register their medicines to receive better government support. This announcement was made by Mukwaya Jamiru Mutwakuli, NDA board member representing herbalists, during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting at Kim Panzer Nest, Kanungu Town Council, Kanungu District.
Mukwaya highlighted that the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act of 2019, signed into law by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on September 14, 2020, legally empowers practitioners to operate within the bounds of the law. However, many have yet to benefit from this legal framework due to reluctance to license their medicines.
Dr. Byomigabe Martin, NDA’s regional manager, clarified that while NDA does not regulate practices related to witchcraft, cults, or traditional and complementary medicine, it urges practitioners to adhere to the National Drug Policy and Authority Act (Cap 206) to ensure legal market acceptance. To increase their earnings, practitioners are advised to apply for legal notification of local traditional and herbal medicines. This includes providing detailed information such as the product name, dosage, active ingredients, part of the plant used, strength, contraindications, instructions, side effects, storage conditions, and expiry date.
Kenneth Tumuhamye, Secretary for Social Services, reported growing concerns about human trafficking and illegal practices, including body part sacrifices and suspicious activities near lakes. Authorities have warned that such practices will result in legal consequences.
Vice Chairperson Mwongyera Henely urged herbalists to organize themselves and comply with NDA guidelines. Assistant RDC of Kanungu District, Emmy Magezi, expressed the government’s willingness to support traditional and complementary medicine practitioners, provided they cooperate. Magezi also encouraged participation in PM and Emyoga programs for socio-economic transformation.
For efficient service delivery, NDA has requested stakeholders to consult Kanungu District Drugs Inspector Davis Mucungizi to avoid issues related to illegal practices.
