Vet doctor arrested as drugs worth UGX 60 million are confiscated

13 August 2026, 2:49 pm

By Kyalisiima Asuman

A para-veterinary professional in Mpara Town Council, Kyegegwa District, Rukundo Abedenego, has been arrested over allegations of operating without a licence, illegal possession of government medicines and altering drug labels, among other offences.

Rukundo, a private veterinarian, was arrested on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, during an operation conducted by officials from the National Drug Authority (NDA) in collaboration with Kyegegwa Police. The operation culminated in a search on Wednesday morning at his place of operation, Rukundo Vet Drug Shop, in Mpara Town Council.

Addressing journalists and community members at the veterinary drug shop, Arbaaz Rwamwiri, the Public Relations Officer and spokesperson for the NDA, said Rukundo’s arrest followed information provided by whistle-blowers, which prompted the authorities to take action.

Rwamwiri said that during the search, officials discovered that Rukundo was operating without an NDA licence. They also found government medicines labelled “Government of Uganda – Not for Sale”, while some labels and stickers on the medicines had allegedly been tampered with.

He said the findings raised concerns that the suspect could have been supplying counterfeit or unauthorised medicines to farmers or charging them exorbitant prices.

Abiaz also confirmed Rukundo’s arrest, adding that he would appear before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Makindye to answer charges including illegal possession of government stores, among other offences.

He also confirmed that all the drugs, estimated to be worth UGX 60 million, had been impounded. He appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report suspected offenders operating within their communities.

However, during an open discussion, some residents of Mpara Town Council, including Pastor Nasasira Innocent, raised concerns about the services provided by the veterinary doctor in the area. He accused the veterinary officer of being inactive, saying this had prompted farmers to seek services from private veterinary practitioners, whom he said were readily available.

Other residents, who preferred to remain anonymous, questioned why the operation had targeted only Rukundo Abedenego in the entire district. Efforts to obtain a response from the relevant authorities were unsuccessful, as they had already left Kyegegwa.