Eronda
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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The National Drug Authority (NDA) has arrested four suspects, including a health worker and a former security officer at Luweero General Hospital, following the recovery of more than 12,000 doses of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), antibiotics and other medical supplies worth approximately Shs50 million.
According to NDA spokesperson Abiaz Rwamwiri, the operation led to the seizure of essential medicines and medical consumables that are believed to have been diverted from the public healthcare system. The recovered items included ARVs, antibiotics and cotton wool, all reportedly marked as property of the Government of Uganda.
Rwamwiri revealed that some of the supplies were recovered from the residence of the former security officer, while additional stock was found at the home of the health worker in Kisasi during enforcement raids conducted by NDA officials.
The seizure has raised fresh concerns over the theft and illegal distribution of government medicines intended for patients receiving treatment at public health facilities. ARVs, in particular, are critical life-saving drugs used in the management of HIV/AIDS and are provided free of charge through government-supported health programs.
Authorities are now investigating how the medicines left government stores and whether a wider network may have been involved in the diversion and storage of the supplies.
The NDA has emphasized that stealing or trading in government medicines deprives patients of essential treatment and undermines efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country. The authority has also warned individuals against purchasing medicines from unauthorized sources, noting that such practices fuel theft within the health sector.
The four suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, with authorities expected to pursue charges relating to the unlawful possession and diversion of government medical supplies.
Source: NTV
According to NDA spokesperson Abiaz Rwamwiri, the operation led to the seizure of essential medicines and medical consumables that are believed to have been diverted from the public healthcare system. The recovered items included ARVs, antibiotics and cotton wool, all reportedly marked as property of the Government of Uganda.
Rwamwiri revealed that some of the supplies were recovered from the residence of the former security officer, while additional stock was found at the home of the health worker in Kisasi during enforcement raids conducted by NDA officials.
The seizure has raised fresh concerns over the theft and illegal distribution of government medicines intended for patients receiving treatment at public health facilities. ARVs, in particular, are critical life-saving drugs used in the management of HIV/AIDS and are provided free of charge through government-supported health programs.
Authorities are now investigating how the medicines left government stores and whether a wider network may have been involved in the diversion and storage of the supplies.
The NDA has emphasized that stealing or trading in government medicines deprives patients of essential treatment and undermines efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country. The authority has also warned individuals against purchasing medicines from unauthorized sources, noting that such practices fuel theft within the health sector.
The four suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, with authorities expected to pursue charges relating to the unlawful possession and diversion of government medical supplies.
Source: NTV