THE Uganda National Drug Authority (NDA) Has Confirmed The Arrest Of A Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Soldier And A Health Worker In Connection With The Theft Of Government-Issued Drugs. The Arrests, Announced On Friday, Follow An Ongoing Investigation Into The Illegal Transfer Of Public Medical Supplies.
According To An Official Statement By The NDA, A Special Operation Uncovered Over 150,000 Doses Of Antiretroviral (ARV) Drugs Stolen From Kabamba Military Hospital. Authorities Revealed That The Drugs Were Being Transported To Jinja City For Illegal Resale.
The Soldier, Who Is Also A Laboratory Technician At Kabamba Military Health Centre IV, Was Reportedly Arrested At A Private Residence In Mpumude Town, Where A Large Portion Of The Stolen Drugs Were Found.
The NDA Said The Investigation Is Ongoing, And The Suspect’s Identity Is Being Withheld Pending Formal Court Proceedings. Officials Added That The Operation Is Part Of A Broader Crackdown On Corruption And Theft Within The Public Health System.
This Latest Incident Highlights Uganda’s Ongoing Struggle Against The Misappropriation Of Essential Medical Supplies, Which Is Undermining The Country’s Public Health Response, Particularly In Controlling HIV/AIDS.