The National Drug Authority (NDA) has arrested four people over allegations of stealing and illegally selling government medical supplies, including antiretroviral drugs (ARVs).
The suspects were arrested on Thursday following an enforcement operation that began in Luweero District before extending to Kisaasi in Kampala, according to the NDA.
The operation resulted in the recovery of approximately 120,000 doses of ARVs, as well as maternity kits, syringes and boxes of examination gloves.
The recovered medical supplies reportedly carry “Government of Uganda” markings, indicating that they are public medicines and supplies not intended for commercial sale.
The arrests followed an investigation into allegations that medicines were being diverted from Luweero General Hospital and sold through private channels.
The NDA said its intelligence officers had been investigating suspected diversion after receiving information about alleged medicine shortages at the hospital.
Investigators reportedly traced some of the suspected government supplies to a residential property in Kisaasi, where NDA enforcement officers conducted an operation and arrested the four suspects.
Among those detained is a medical professional attached to Luweero General Hospital, together with a security operative linked to the facility.
The other two suspects are reportedly siblings of Mugenyi and are alleged to have played roles in storing, transporting and facilitating the sale of the medicines.
The NDA said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged diversion of government supplies from the hospital.
NDA spokesperson Abiaz Rwamwiri said the suspected diversion of medicines threatens access to treatment, particularly for patients who rely on public health facilities.
He said diverting government medicines can contribute to shortages and leave vulnerable patients without the treatment they need.
The NDA also reported that some of the recovered ARVs had expired.
Rwamwiri warned that medicines removed from the public health system and stored outside recommended conditions can create safety concerns, particularly when their quality and suitability for patients cannot be assured.
NDA Steps Up Enforcement Against Medicine Diversion
The latest arrests form part of the NDA’s broader efforts to combat the diversion and illegal sale of government medicines.
The Authority said its enforcement operations since 2019 have intercepted government medicines estimated to be worth Shs28 billion.
During the same period, 68 healthcare workers have reportedly been arrested and prosecuted in connection with similar offences.
Rwamwiri urged members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing medicines from private clinics and other outlets, particularly where the source or packaging of the drugs appears questionable.
He also encouraged people to report suspected cases involving the illegal sale or diversion of government medicines to the relevant authorities.
The four suspects were reportedly processed at Wandegeya Police Station and remain in custody as investigations continue.
They are expected to appear in court to face charges related to the alleged theft and illegal distribution of government medical supplies.
The NDA said additional audits will be conducted at other health facilities as investigators determine whether the suspected diversion extends beyond Luweero.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is reviewing measures aimed at strengthening control over access to medical stores and improving accountability for government medicine.
