By The Police at Wandegeya, working with the National Drug Authority (NDA), have arrested a man in connection with the sale of counterfeit drugs falsely marketed as treatment for hypertension.
The suspect, identified as Ogwenga Nicholas, was arrested in Nakasero after investigations revealed he was behind the promotion of a drug branded Hyper Guard. The product was falsely advertised in an AI-generated video featuring Dr. Okello Emmy of the Uganda Heart Institute, who later reported the matter to Police.
Dr. Okello said he had no knowledge of the drug or the video, which fraudulently used his name and image to mislead the public.
Following the complaint, Police and NDA operatives searched a store in Nakasero where they recovered more than 2,000 small boxes of Hyper Guard and Man Power Tabs, both of which were being marketed illegally on social media.
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“The case file is being prepared and will be forwarded to the Resident State Attorney for perusal and legal advice. The suspect remains in custody at Wandegeya Police Station,” Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire said in a statement.
Authorities have cautioned the public against buying or using drugs from unlicensed dealers, warning that such products pose serious health risks. They urged Ugandans to always seek medication from authorized health facilities and pharmacies.
This arrest comes amid a broader crackdown on counterfeit medicines, a growing problem that poses a serious threat to public health in Uganda. In recent years, NDA has conducted several operations targeting unscrupulous dealers selling fake veterinary and human drugs, often disguised in packaging resembling genuine brands.
Earlier this year, NDA seized counterfeit malaria drugs in Kampala and counterfeit veterinary vaccines in the eastern districts, warning that such illegal products not only defraud farmers and patients but also endanger lives.
Health experts say counterfeit drugs fuel drug resistance and undermine public confidence in the health system. NDA has since intensified public awareness campaigns encouraging Ugandans to verify the authenticity of drugs before purchase.
As investigations into the Hyper Guard racket continue, Police say more arrests could be made to dismantle the supply chain.
