NDA welcomes new board chairman, Dr Bitekyerezo

KAMPALA.

The National Drug Authority (NDA) has received a new board chaired by Dr Medard Bitekyerezo, the former Mbarara Municipality Member of Parliament and head of the Parliamentary Health Committee.

Dr Bitekyerezo, who lost his seat in Parliament, replaced Dr Sam Zaramba, an Ear Nose and Throat surgeon who has been at the helm of the drugs’ safety body for three years. Dr Zaramba is a retired health practitioner.

Inaugurated last week, the 19-member board was appointed by the Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng and includes 10 new and nine old members.

Newly appointed members to the board include: Dr Medard Bitekyerezo, Brig Ambrose K. Musinguzi, the Chief of Medical Services at the Ministry of Defence, Dr Mbabali Muhammad of the Uganda Dental Association, and Dr. Sekagya Yahaya Hills of Uganda Herbalists.

Others are Dr Namaala Hanifa Sengendo, the Director Medical & Psychosocial Programs at Baylor College, Dr Sylvia Baluka Angubua, the President of Uganda Veterinary Association, Mr Moses Kamabare, the General Manager of the National Medical Stores, Dr Baterana B. Byarugaba, the Executive director of Mulago National Referral Hospital, Prof Anthony Mbonye, the acting director General Health Services and Dr Rose Ademun Okurut, the Commissioner of Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Agriculture.

Members who retained their slots on the board include: Ms Grace Akullo, the Director Criminal Investigations, Dr Grace Nambatya Kyeyune of the Natural Chemo.

Research Laboratory, Mr Morris Seru, acting Commissioner Commissioner Health Services (Pharmacy) at the Health ministry, Dr Edward Kasirye Bainda of Uganda Medical Associatio, Dr Bildard Baguma of Joint Medical Stores, Dr Christine Ondoa, the director of Uganda Aids Commission, Mr. Kimbowa Sembatya Yusuf, a pharmacist , Dr Pakoyo Kamba Fadhiru of the School of Pharmacy and Mr Agaba Raymond, the Commissioner Internal Trade at the Ministry of Trade.

In his inaugural speech, Dr Bitekyerezo committed to working with Ms Dr Donna Kusemererwa, the executive secretary NDA and her entire staff to ensure the body attains its mandate.

“I hope I will promote core values of NDA and I will endeavour to uphold the dignity of the office of the Chairman and the respect this chair enjoys throughout the country but most importantly the pharmaceutical, veterinary, medical fraternity and end users of the drugs,” Dr Bitekyerezo said.

He outlined five areas of his priority among which include the lobbying for the enactment of the National Food and Medicine Authority 2017.

Mr Kamabare, who is a new member on the board, said he represents NMS to ensure effective and efficient systems in NDA that assure Ugandans of good quality and safe medicine and medical supplies on the market.