The National Medical Stores (NMS), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Police, and the Health Monitoring Unit, has launched a nationwide media campaign to combat the theft of government-procured medicines. The campaign, which will run for one month on radio and online platforms, aims to raise public awareness and push for tougher penalties against offenders.
Speaking at the launch, NMS General Manager Moses Kamabare urged Parliament to impose stricter fines, saying the current penalties are too lenient.
“Currently, when someone steals medicines worth UGX 200 million, they can walk away with a fine of about UGX 5 million. That is far too lenient,” Kamabare said. “We recommend that whoever is found culpable pays three times the value of the commodities they are caught with. If someone is caught with goods worth UGX 1 billion, they should pay UGX 3 billion. That is how we deter offenders.”
Kamabare stressed that drug theft is not only an economic crime but also a direct threat to human life.
“Medicines are not just government assets that cost money; when stolen, they cost lives. No Ugandan should die because the drugs meant to save them were taken away,” he warned.
He reaffirmed NMS’s commitment to transparency, noting that all trucks delivering medicines are fitted with GPS trackers and monitored in real time. “Every truck that leaves NMS is loaded with life-saving supplies and is fitted with GPS trackers. We send dispatch and delivery alerts so stakeholders can verify deliveries. Each consignment is accompanied by stamped and signed delivery notes,” Kamabare explained. He reminded the public that medicines in government facilities are free and urged citizens to report any attempts to sell them.
Uganda Police Spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma pledged firm enforcement and protection for whistleblowers. “The moment you blow the whistle, we are ready to protect you. Anyone who dares steal our medicines will be treated as a threat to national security and dealt with firmly,” Kituuma said.
Dr. Warren Namara, Head of the Health Monitoring Unit, revealed that in the last two years alone, the government had recovered medicines and equipment worth over UGX 1.5 billion. He called on journalists to expose drug thieves through responsible investigative reporting. “The health of the population is a strategic resource. You destroy it at your own peril,” Namara stated.
Director General of Health Services Dr. Charles Olaro pointed to upcoming reforms under the National Drug and Health Products Authority Bill, which will introduce stricter penalties and special provisions for those entrusted with government medicines. He added that hospitals are tightening accountability through stock cards, dispensing logs, and Medicines & Therapeutics Committees to curb wastage and ensure drugs reach patients.
The campaign underscores a collective commitment to end drug pilferage, strengthen accountability, and safeguard public health across Uganda.
