Uganda’s National Drug Authority (NDA) seems to be playing hide and seek with some of the country’s most valuable items—life saving drugs. In their latest operation of “Catch the Thieves,” the NDA managed to recover drugs worth a staggering Ugx 2 billion that had mysteriously disappeared from government stores.
Mr. Abiaz Rwamwiri, NDA’s Communications Manager proudly announced the recovery during a press briefing in Mbarara. He revealed that the stolen drugs included precious antiretrovirals (ARVs) and antimalarials. And where were some of these magical disappearing pills heading? The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—because apparently, our neighbors have a soft spot for Ugandan “government sponsored” medication.
For the last eight months, NDA has been on a treasure hunt, recovering these vanishing pills from private health facilities and people’s homes.
Table: Recovery of Stolen Drugs (Jan – Sept 2024)
| Location | Type of Facility | Drugs Recovered Value (Ugx) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Health Facilities | Antiretrovirals, Antimalarials | 1.2 billion |
| Homes | Mixed Medications | 800 million |
| Total | 2 billion |
Mr. Rwamwiri did not hide his frustration, sounding like every Ugandan parent ever. He lamented about how government health facilities face shortages, not because of a lack of funding, but due to those who sneak out the back door with people’s lifelines. “Government buys the drugs, but instead of getting them free, people are forced to pay. It’s like buying your own birthday cake and then being charged to eat it!”
NDA said it is intensifying its efforts to “combat the theft of government drugs,” as Mr. Rwamwiri put it. And by “intensifying,” he means they’re asking you, dear citizens, to become watchmen. “Next time you see a health worker carrying a bag heavier than a boda boda passenger, maybe take a second look,” he advised, as if Ugandans weren’t already suspicious of their neighbors for far less.
During a week long operation in five districts of southwestern Uganda (where apparently, the drug theft Olympics were in full swing), NDA managed to shut down 79 drug shops and confiscate 153 boxes of drugs worth Shs 50 million. These drug shops, it turns out, were either illegal or staffed by unqualified personnel. Think of it like getting treated for malaria by a chap who learned medicine from YouTube.
Mr. Kudra Mulindwa, Acting NDA Manager for Mbarara, was generous enough to offer a compliance tutorial to those who had their drugs seized. “Come to us, and we’ll give you a crash course on how to avoid having your drugs snatched next time,” he said with a straight face. And, just like a headmaster after a test, he promised to return the confiscated drugs once the students (sorry, health facilities) pass compliance.
Here’s to hoping that next time, government drugs stay in government hospitals, and not in someone’s living room cabinet.
