The National Drug Authority (NDA), working with the Uganda Police, has arrested a man accused of using Artificial Intelligence-generated videos to sell counterfeit hypertension drugs.
Nicholas Ogenga was apprehended in Nakasero, Kampala, after Dr. Emmy Okello, a cardiologist at the Uganda Heart Institute, reported that his image had been manipulated to promote a fake product called HyperGuard.
“There was an alarming attempt to exploit patients by falsely claiming a cure for hypertension using doctored videos,” said Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson.
Fake Drugs Marketed as a Cure
NDA spokesperson Abiaz Rwamwiri confirmed that HyperGuard is not approved for use in Uganda and is counterfeit. During a raid, authorities recovered over 500 bottles of HyperGuard along with another illegal product, Long Jack XXXL, marketed as a male sexual booster.
The packaging of HyperGuard lacked required labeling and patient information leaflets. Preliminary reports show that each 10ml bottle was being sold for 165,000 shillings. Samples have been sent for laboratory testing to determine the drug’s actual contents.
Warnings from Experts
Dr. Okello raised concerns that some patients had already started using the fake medicine and urged them to seek medical testing immediately.
“There is no definitive cure for hypertension,” warned Dr. John Omagino, Executive Director of the Uganda Heart Institute. “High blood pressure can cause heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. Management requires lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, and regular medical check-ups—not a so-called magic pill.”
A Growing Public Health Threat
Hypertension affects at least one in four Ugandan adults, making them vulnerable to exploitation by counterfeit drug peddlers. NDA has pledged to step up surveillance and warned the public to remain cautious of online promotions claiming quick fixes for chronic diseases.
