The National Drug Authority (NDA) has recovered more than 150,000 doses of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and 12,500 malaria testing kits stolen from Kabamba Military Health Center IV, following a special operation this morning, on Friday, 24th October, 2025.
According to NDA Communications Manager, Abiaz Rwamwiri, the operation led to the arrest of a UPDF officer, who also works as a laboratory technician at Kabamba Military Health Center IV, and a civilian health worker implicated in the theft.
“Lance Corporal Jimmy Kisembo was intercepted at a private house in Mpumude where he had taken the stolen drugs for sale,” Rwamwiri stated.
“We also arrested Musoke Mayi, an enrolled nurse in charge of Makoole Health Center II, who had stolen 3,000 doses of antimalarial and 12,500 malaria testing kits, which she had moved to a private house for resale,” he added.
The suspects are set to be charged with unlawful possession of government stores under Section 296(2) of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128, and unlawful possession of classified drugs under Section 27(2) of the National Drug Policy and Authority Act, Cap 206.
The NDA has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected drug-related crimes to help break the cartels behind drug thefts.
This year, drug thefts at Ugandan government health facilities have risen sharply, exposing deep-rooted systemic weaknesses and a shift from isolated cases to large-scale, organized operations targeting essential medicines.”
Areas including Wakiso, Mbale, Lira, Arua, and Hoima have reported organized syndicates, often involving health workers and local officials, who divert anti-malarials, HIV drugs, and antibiotics for illegal sale.
These thefts have become a critical national scandal, undermining Uganda’s ability to provide basic healthcare by creating artificial shortages, fueling black markets, and eroding public trust.
The pattern of these cases shows that the crisis extends far beyond Kampala, representing a nationwide challenge affecting districts across the country.
While the government’s response, spearheaded by the State House Health Monitoring Unit, has led to arrests and suspensions, persistent impunity and weak accountability mechanisms continue to undermine the integrity of the public health system.
