The National Drug Authority (NDA), in collaboration with the Uganda Police, has carried out an enforcement operation in Ntoroko and Kyenjojo districts resulting in the arrest of seven people found allegedly selling government drugs.
The NDA Public Relations Manager, Abiaz Rwamwiri, said in the operation the seven individuals were allegedly found in illicit possession and sale of government-sourced pharmaceuticals and medical equipment valued at over Shs300 million.
He said among those arrested were Samuel Mwesige, who served as the in-charge of Bweramule Health Centre III, and Ms Mary Mbabazi, an enrolled nurse who was found managing the facility’s medical inventory in Ntoroko District.
Alex Mbusa, employed as a porter at Bweramule Health Centre III in Ntoroko District, was taken into custody and Mbusa later admitted to selling the stolen drugs to buyers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In Kyenjojo District, the operation led to the detention of Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Tuke Yusuf Katuramu, who doubles as a health officer at Kyenjojo Police Health Centre II.
A press statement issued by NDA in regard to the operation shows that a significant quantity of government pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, including more than 100 tons of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), antimalarial, 80 cartons of malaria test strips, 100 boxes of HIV and Hepatitis B test strips, and various doses of unpacked antibiotics and paracetamol.
12 Jerricans containing laboratory reagents were also seized, among other items.
