Two suspects have been arrested in connection to a suspected break-in and theft of drugs from Maregamo Health Centre III in Kisoro district on January 19, 2025.

The suspects, Patrick Namara and Gadi Habwomuremye, a laboratory assistant were placed in police custody on January 25, 2025.

According to the clinical officer in charge, Hylon Dusingize, two nurses and a security guard were on night duty that evening; however, the following morning on January 20, they handed over to the incoming day shift staff without letting them know about the theft incident.

Dusingize disclosed that at around 11:30 am, he discovered that the drugstore had been broken into and immediately informed and notified her district supervisors, who reported the case to Kisoro Central Police Station.

’’The number of drug boxes that were stolen is still not known; however, the drug store was left empty,’’ Dusingize said.

Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, revealed the matter was reported to Kisoro Central Police Station several days later for investigation.

Maate added that a team of police officers, along with the district drug supervisor, visited the crime scene to process evidence and documented their findings, and a cut padlock was recovered as evidence as part of their investigation.

’’These two have been arrested to aid in our investigations; however, more inquiries into this matter are being carried out because I believe there are more people involved,’’ Maate emphasized.

More searches were conducted at their health center residences, but the stolen items were not found.

In 2024, Kisoro District experienced several notable cases of drug theft, highlighting ongoing issues within local health facilities.

In July 2024, Godfrey Byaruhanga, a security guard from Nyabihuniko Health Centre III, was arrested for stealing various items, including medications, from the health center in Chahi Sub County, Kisoro district.

These incidents underscore significant challenges in safeguarding medical supplies and ensuring accountability within health institutions in Kisoro District and beyond.

Following these thefts, investigations have intensified, with authorities focusing on the involvement of health officials and security personnel in drug-related crimes. Preliminary findings from a separate investigation suggested that some stolen drugs were sold by health officials to suspects involved in the thefts.