National Drug Authority signs MOU With Buganda Kingdom to champion safe drug use
Drake Nyamugabwa
The National Drug Authority (NDA) has signed a memorandum m of understanding with Buganda Kingdom aimed at protecting the health of people through safe drug use.
In the special collaboration, His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II accepted to be the champion in promoting safe drug use in the Buganda Kingdom and Uganda at large. Kabaka’s voice will be key in the fight against drug and substance abuse which is increasingly hindering the productivity of many Ugandans and continues to be a public health concern.
The Katikiro Buganda Kingdom Owek. Peter Mayiga said that Buganda Kindgon in her endeavor to promote good health, applauds the management of NDA for their significant contribution to society and encourages the public to listen to the authority.
“To appreciate their role, we shall work with UNDA to ensure that all drugs and their use meet the professional requirements, encourage people to stop the habit of self-medication and to use traditional medicine in an ethical manner,” he said
NDA expressed commitment in working with the Kingdom to improve the quality of herbal medicines in Buganda, working with your Ministers and chiefs to undertake training for herbalists, supporting those involved in herbal medicines to access current good manufacturing practices, and assisting herbal drugs manufacturers/dealers in having their approved products on the market which will enhance their knowledge and quality of their products.
The two parties will collaborate in creating awareness about safe drug use through the kingdom’s mass sensitizations.
“NDA will also provide extensive technical support and information in the fight against drug and substance abuse among the youth/teens, drug hawking, and drug misuse including all the necessary information and educational materials needed for the campaign against drug hawking and illicit drug use” The Executive Director NDA Hon Medard Bitekyerezo said.
