Kampala, 9 December 2025 — The Centre for Multilateral Affairs (CfMA) presented its written submission on the proposed National Drug and Health Products Authority Bill, 2025 to the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) during a stakeholder engagement held at Fairway Hotel, Kampala.
The submission was delivered on behalf of CfMA by Mr. Steven Jet Mulindwa, Legal and Research Associate, as part of UHRC’s consultative process on the human rights implications of the proposed legislation.
In its submission, CfMA welcomed the Bill’s objective of strengthening regulation of drugs and health products in Uganda, noting the importance of safeguarding public health and consumer safety. At the same time, the Centre raised critical legal and governance concerns requiring parliamentary attention to ensure the Bill is consistent with constitutional standards and international human rights principles.
CfMA’s analysis focused on four key public-law principles: legality, legitimacy, proportionality, and necessity. The submission emphasised the need for stronger procedural safeguards in the exercise of regulatory and enforcement powers, clearer guarantees of institutional independence, proportionate sanctions that distinguish between large-scale manufacturers and small-scale or traditional practitioners, and improved coordination with existing regulatory bodies to avoid duplication.
Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Mulindwa underscored the importance of rights-based regulation in the health sector, noting that effective oversight must balance public-health protection with fair administrative action, economic inclusion, and respect for constitutional guarantees.
CfMA commended the Uganda Human Rights Commission for facilitating inclusive dialogue on the Bill and reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based advocacy that promotes accountable governance, human rights, and sustainable regulatory reform.