Essential drugs
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The National Medical Stores (NMS) has ordered all public health facilities across Uganda to immediately stop dispensing selected batches of two widely used antibiotics, Metroplus and Azulox, in a nationwide recall that took effect following a public notice issued on July 23, 2026.
The directive requires health workers and facility managers to immediately remove the affected medicines from circulation and return all remaining stock to the agency. While the recall affects essential antibiotics commonly used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections, NMS did not disclose the specific reason behind the decision in its official communication.
According to the notice signed by NMS General Manager Moses Kamabare, the recall covers Metroplus (Metronidazole 200mg tablets), Batch 1225, which was manufactured in September 2025 and is due to expire in August 2027.
It also applies to Azulox (Ampicillin & Cloxacillin 250/250mg capsules), batches 1025, 1125, 1225 and 1425, all manufactured in March 2025 with an expiry date of December 2027.
Both medicines were supplied to the National Medical Stores by Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries under an existing supply contract.
Reliable supplier
NMS said the recall is being undertaken on behalf of the contracted supplier and instructed all affected health facilities to stop dispensing the identified batches with immediate effect. The agency emphasized that no further use of the medicines should occur while the recall process is underway.
Health facilities have been directed to identify all remaining stock of the affected products and keep it aside for collection. The medicines are to be returned to NMS when the agency’s delivery trucks visit their respective facilities during routine distribution schedules.
In addition to returning the medicines, health facilities have been instructed to submit feedback indicating the quantities of the affected batches still in their possession. NMS said this information will support the reconciliation process once the recalled stock has been received.
October 30th deadline
The agency set October 30, 2026, as the deadline for the return of all remaining stock. It further noted that reconciliation of each facility’s account would only be completed after the returned medicines have been received and verified.
Despite the significance of the recall, NMS did not explain why the affected batches were being withdrawn from use. The notice contains no indication of whether the action was prompted by quality concerns, manufacturing issues, packaging defects, regulatory requirements or any other factor.
The absence of an official explanation has left the recall focused primarily on compliance, with health workers instructed to prioritize removing the specified batches from circulation rather than seeking clarification on the underlying reason.
Drugs no longer dispensed
Metroplus and Azulox are among the antibiotics routinely stocked in public health facilities and are prescribed for the treatment of a range of infections. Their temporary withdrawal from the supply chain means facilities will need to ensure that the recalled batches are no longer dispensed while awaiting further guidance from NMS or replacement stock.
NMS has urged all health workers, pharmacists and facility managers to comply fully with the directive to prevent any further use of the affected medicines. The agency reiterated that only the specified batches are affected by the recall and instructed facilities to ensure they are identified, isolated and returned within the stipulated timeline.
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