The National Drug Authority (NDA) in partnership with Uganda Police has arrested six suspects in the Container village from Njovu Farm Supply and MusaJJawaza Farm Store who were found counterfeiting and selling impure vaccines of foot and mouth disease (FMD).
Abiaz Rwamwiri, the NDA Head of Public Relations said in a statement that the culprits were found in possession of over 20,000 dozes worth more than Shs100m of impure and counterfeited FMD vaccines that were of poor quality and ineffective in providing the desired protection against FMD.
“The FMD vaccines are solely procured and imported by the government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and freely distributed through District Veterinary Offices. The counterfeiters have been selling a bottle of 250ml (with 80 doses) worth Shs300,000,” he said.
“The counterfeiters were falsifying and branding a product purporting to be from MAAIF and distributing it on the black market. The vaccines were also in poor storage, kept in a domestic refrigerator that had no temperature monitors or power backup, and most of them were frozen which makes them ineffective even if they were genuine,” he added.
He said that the vaccines are very sensitive products that must be kept in controlled temperatures.


“The suspects are all unqualified to handle vaccines which are classified products that must be handled by registered pharmacists, medical practitioners, dentists, veterinary surgeons, or a licensed person, according to National Drug Authority Policy and Authority Act Cap 206 section 13 (1 ),” he said
According to Rwamwiri, FMD is a highly contagious viral disease of animals and the most serious livestock disease that is only controlled by vaccination.
“These impure and counterfeited vaccines have led to the persistence of FMD in the country, especially in the cattle-corridor districts, leading to prolonged quarantines and resultant market closures that affect the economies of the farmers who survive on livestock farming,” he said
“NDA appeals to the public to always buy drugs from NOA licensed outlets, remain vigilant, and report such suspected drug crimes on our toll-free line 0800 101 999 or WhatsApp line 07 40 002 070. NOA extends appreciation to the Container Village local authorities, Uganda Police Force, the media, and the general public for their support during this operation,” he added.
