Fake NDA Drug Inspector Arrested in Mukono
Authorities have arrested a 39-year-old man accused of masquerading as an inspector from the National Drug Authority (NDA), in a case that highlights growing concerns about fraud in Uganda’s health sector.
The suspect, identified as Awala James of Seeta Bagala Zone, was picked up on September 6, 2025, after being found at Provan Pharmacy in Banda Zone IV posing as an NDA official.
In a statement, the Authority confirmed the arrest:
“With the support of the Uganda Police Force, on 6th September 2025 at Provan Pharmacy in Banda Zone IV, we arrested Awala James, a 39-year-old male Ugandan resident of Seeta Bagala Zone in Mukono District, who was falsely presenting himself as a National Drug Authority employee at the level of a drug inspector.”
Investigators disclosed that Awala had been monitored for weeks before the operation. However, other suspected accomplices remain at large.
“NDA will continue tracking others until they are also apprehended,” the statement added.
Awala is currently being held at Kyambogo Police Station under file number KYU CRB 072/2025, and officials say he will be arraigned in court soon.
NDA used the incident to caution pharmacies, drug shop operators, and the public against falling prey to impersonators.
“Always contact NDA and Police whenever anybody requests money to offer a service or attempts to intimidate you in any way,” the agency urged.
The Authority also appealed to health facilities to promptly report any suspicious visitors claiming NDA affiliation.
