Police in Kitagwenda District, working jointly with officials from the National Drug Authority (NDA), are investigating a suspected illegal veterinary drug manufacturing and distribution network operating within the district.
The operation began following the arrest of a boda boda rider, identified as Turyaguma Amos, in neighbouring Ibanda District. He was intercepted while transporting four sacks containing 40 five-litre jerricans filled with a green liquid suspected to be counterfeit acaricide.
During preliminary questioning, the suspect allegedly implicated Tayebwa Julius, a resident of Kitagwenda District, as the owner of the consignment and the suspected operator of an illegal makeshift manufacturing site.
Acting on this intelligence, a joint enforcement team from the NDA and Police on 20 June 2026 conducted a search at the suspect’s premises in Rwentuha Village, Kitagwenda District.
The search led to the recovery of suspected chemical powders, plastic packaging materials, labelling stickers, white crystalline substances, and empty drums believed to have been used in the production process.
Preliminary findings indicate that the premises were located in an isolated area, with several of the recovered items concealed under beds and within the ceiling, allegedly in an attempt to evade detection.
Police say the prime suspect remains on the run, and efforts are underway to trace and apprehend him, along with any possible accomplices.
Uganda Police Spokesperson, ACP Rusoke Kituuma asked farmers and members of the public to be cautious and only purchase veterinary drugs from licensed and authorised outlets.
He warned against using unlabelled, suspicious, or unusually packaged products, noting that counterfeit acaricides pose serious risks to livestock and agricultural productivity.
“Members of the public with information related to illegal drug manufacturing or the sale of suspected counterfeit veterinary products have been encouraged to report to the nearest Police station or NDA office”. Kituuma said.
