Pharmacy owner denied bail over unlicensed operations

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The Standards, Utilities, and Wildlife Court in Makindye has denied bail to a pharmacy owner facing charges of carrying out pharmacy business without a licence.

While denying bail to Benald Magoola, 36, magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu noted that Magoola does not have a fixed place of abode in the country and that his sureties failed to satisfy court on how they could be traced in case he absconded.

“The applicant presented an introductory letter from the Local council area; however did not prove how his known by the leaders in the area,” Kamasanyu ruled.

She added that the sureties presented also failed to satisfy court, as one told court that she operates a tomato stall along Kafumbe Mukasa Road in Kampala, a business that cannot easily be traced, and that they too did not have fixed places of abode.

While denying bail to Benald Magoola, 36, magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu noted that Magoola does not have a fixed place of abode in the country. (Photo by Margret Zalwango)

Court further noted the need to balance the interests of society with those of the accused person. The application was therefore dismissed and bail denied.

Drugs inspector testifies

Appearing before the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court in Makindye on January 23, 2026, Stephen Mulyanti told court that he is a drug inspector working with the National Drug Authority, stationed in Tororo Municipality in the eastern region. His role includes ensuring compliance with the National Drug Act.

On November 20, 2024, Mulyanti told court that his supervisor, Dr David Kaggwa, instructed him to inspect Doto Pharmacy International Limited, which was allegedly operating illegally along Kumi Road. He said the inspection established that the pharmacy did not have a licence and that operators were ordered to close, which they declined to do.

He added that between November and January 16, 2025, while carrying out inspections around Tororo, he noticed that the pharmacy was still operating. This prompted him to inform Dr Kaggwa, who ordered another inspection.

Mulyanti further testified that on April 3, 2025, the pharmacy was still operating without obtaining the required licences as stipulated under section 14(3) of the National Drug Policy and Authority Act. The two licences required to operate include a certificate of suitability of premises and an operating licence, despite a closure notice having been issued to the manager and operators.

He added that on April 4, 2025, a team from the National Drug Authority and police arrested Mudoola, the owner of the pharmacy.

During cross-examination by defence lawyer Hassan Ssebyala, Mulyanti confirmed to court that they never issued a suitability certificate to Doto Pharma International Limited on Kumi Road, but that a final inspection was carried out at the premises of Doto located along Sleeping Baby Road.

Thirteen boxes of drugs were presented to court as exhibits from the pharmacy. The magistrate ordered that the drugs be taken to the National Drug Authority offices for further management.

Mudoola was further remanded to February 13, 2026.

The offences

Mudoola, a resident of Bukasakya cell in Makanga Ward, Industrial Division, Mbale city, is facing three counts of carrying out the business of pharmacy without a licence, unlawful possession of classified drugs, and conducting wholesale drug business without a certificate of suitability of premises issued by the National Drug Authority.

Prosecution, led by Martin Arinaitwe, alleges that on April 4, 2025, at Doto Pharma International Limited along Kumi Road in Mbale city, Mudoola was found carrying out pharmacy business without a licence.

It is further alleged that on April 4, 2025, Mudoola was found in possession of classified drugs, including Ecodax-G cream, Dicloday Gel 30G, Star Skin ointment, Migbo Derm Cream 15GM, Zefone 1000 burn care sulphur ointment, among others, contrary to section 27(1) of the Act, Cap 198.

The charge sheet further states that on April 4, 2025, at Doto Pharma International Limited, Mudoola was found conducting wholesale drug business without a certificate of suitability of premises issued by the National Drug Authority in respect of the premises where the business was conducted.