Unlike other commodities, medicines are highly regulated supplies with the potential to cause serious harm that’s why there is an independent regulatory authority the National Drug Authority given the mandate to regulate the sale and distribution of these commodities.
Despite people, many of whom are non-medics starting and running successful pharmacy enterprises, they have been able to rely on input from experts in the pharmaceutical field to set up successful pharma businesses.
One of the most important factors influencing the profitability and overall success of the pharmacy is its location which in turn translates to the buying power of clients in that area. Pharmacies that are well located can take as short as 6 months to break even provided they are well managed.
In order to bring about healthy competition among pharmacy businesses, the National Drug Authority put in place minimum distance requirements between like-to-like pharmacies which varies depending on the area the pharmacy is located.
This means a pharmacy just can’t be started anywhere. You must meet distance requirements; the size and dimensions of the room (premise) should be of required specifications among other requirements of NDA. This makes obtaining a site that would meet all these requirements quite a challenging task. If in doubt, consult your pharmacist or an expert in the field to guide you accordingly.
When you identify a suitable location, then the application process begins. Using a reserved company name, apply for pre-inspection to the corresponding NDA Regional office where the proposed site is located.
The NDA Regional offices are located in the corresponding cities/municipalities for the regions mentioned herein Northern Region (Lira), Eastern Region (Tororo), South Eastern (Jinja), West Nile (Arua), Western (Hoima), South Western Region (Mbarara)
Below is a stepwise process.
- Register a business entity either as a company or partnership indicating pharmaceutical business as one of your objectives.
- Choose suitable premises for a pharmacy, consult about their suitability then apply for pre-inspection at NATIONAL Drug Authority.
- After inspection of your premises, the National Drug Authority will issue you an approval letter to go ahead and organize the premise and apply for inspection in the event that it passes the minimum distance and space requirements amongst other pre-requisites.
- Engage a duly registered pharmacist who is a resident in Uganda and incorporate him/her as director in case of a body corporate or as a partner in case of partnership.
- Your pharmacist will then apply for the 2nd inspection of the premise submitting all the necessary documents e.g., Certified copies of certificate of incorporation, company form 20, certified Memorandum and Articles of association, TIN, etc.
- An invoice is then generated by NDA upon fulfillment of all the requirements. Upon payment of the prescribed fee, an inspector is allocated to the pharmacy.
- After inspection and upon passing, a license and certificate of suitability of premises is then given to you and the pharmacy can start operation.
Should you need any further consultation on the nitty-gritty while on your quest to establish a pharmacy, don’t hesitate to send us a WhatsApp message for additional guidance on +256701556650.
27 comments
Okot James Oyengolobo
September 4, 2021 at 1:04 pm
What’s the required distance between one pharmacy and another in a municipality
admin
September 7, 2021 at 6:26 pm
Hi James. The distance requirement has been adjusted from 300m to 150m for municipalities. Thanks
Kirunda Emmanuel
January 18, 2023 at 4:25 am
Can a diploma pharmacist also suit to work as a pharmacy director?
Emmanuel
April 5, 2022 at 12:24 pm
Thank you so….am requesting for a detailed list of requirements to start a pharmacy in uganda and their costs as well.
kiggundu peter
April 10, 2022 at 11:25 am
What is the difference between a company and partnership?
Mwindo Enock
April 20, 2022 at 4:04 pm
Can a retail pharmacy operate on the same building where clinic is operating behind but fully separately
I need your advise
Timothy Arthur
April 21, 2022 at 7:41 pm
What is the suitable capital to start a pharmacy at a good standard roughly??
Aloysius
July 26, 2022 at 4:26 pm
How long can that pharmacy registration take?
Henry
August 23, 2022 at 5:16 am
Helo, I want to register as a sole proprietor, do i need a pharmacist as a director coz me am not in the field of pharmacy
kiwalabye kassim
August 25, 2022 at 9:12 pm
what is the minimum capital to start pharmacy like kira side ,can 30m work
Bwire David
August 26, 2022 at 9:57 am
I some advice on pharmacy business.
Bwire David
August 26, 2022 at 9:58 am
I need some advice on pharmacy business.
Kizito Enock
August 29, 2022 at 2:18 pm
Okay
Gasana
September 16, 2022 at 3:13 pm
Thanks a lot dear vexa. What is the minimum capital to start a pharmacy in n Uganda town council like kiboga
Thembo Jamal
November 14, 2022 at 10:28 pm
Like if you want open adrugshop and cosmetics around kibuli behind mukwano factory selling all types of drugs does it require apharmacist or anurse
Mambo
January 1, 2023 at 3:25 pm
Can I operate a pharmacy with a diploma in nursing
Rose Akide
February 26, 2023 at 3:03 pm
Thanks for the information
Namataka Aidah
February 27, 2023 at 7:11 am
Can a diploma in pharmacy help me to obtain a license to operate a pharmacy?
Odongpiny Nicholas
March 13, 2023 at 8:21 pm
I want to open a whole sale and retail pharmacy, where can I get my supplier?
Erionu Denis
March 17, 2023 at 3:29 pm
What is the waulification of the pharmacist needed to open a pharmacy?
Kamugisha sadic
August 1, 2023 at 7:58 pm
Is a diploma holder eligible for opening a pharmacy
Nakami Emmily
September 5, 2023 at 12:57 pm
I hv gone through the information and understood,thanx.but my question is can I use a clinical officer to open up a drugshop.
Am also requesting you to send for me a detailed list of requirements needed to open up a drug shop in central region.am a nurse and the period it takes for the whole process of registration
Yosief Teklezgi
September 10, 2023 at 7:53 am
1.can a foreigner buy or own a pharmacy in Uganda.
2.can a non pharmacist buy or own a pharmacy in U ganda,if so What are the criteria s or requirements.
Wamalelo Aron
September 19, 2023 at 12:45 pm
What are the exact steps to start a drugshop,am a certificate nurse am I allowed to start a drugshop,how much can it roughy
Wamalelo Aron
September 19, 2023 at 12:48 pm
What are the steps to start a drug shop,am a certificate nurse,am I allowed to start my own drugshop,and how much can it roughly cost for processing till onset of operation
Jonathan
November 9, 2023 at 2:49 pm
Pharmacy for sale available
Vexa Pharma Consult
December 4, 2023 at 6:12 am
Please reach-out via email for so as we can discuss this further