Uganda — Uganda’s ICT and National Guidance Minister Chris Baryomunsi has called on citizens to play an active role in curbing theft of medicines from public health facilities, warning that pilferage undermines treatment and strains government budgets.
“The fight against corruption and theft of drugs requires government intervention but also we call upon the citizens to be alert,” Baryomunsi told residents of Kabale district.
He said health workers caught selling government-procured medicines face toughened penalties under existing laws.
Public health facilities across Uganda receive drugs from the National Medical Stores (NMS) every month or two, but some still experience artificial stockouts.
NMS reports that pilferage — where medicines are stolen or diverted to private outlets — remains a challenge despite improved supply systems.
Baryomunsi urged health centre management committees to supervise deliveries and keep proper records.
“When drugs are delivered, the chairperson should witness and ensure the amounts match the records,” he said.
His remarks come as NMS, supported by the Ministry of Health, is rolling out a mass sensitisation campaign to mobilise communities, health workers, and local leaders to protect medicines from theft and misuse.
The government has also introduced embossed packaging to mark public drugs with “Government of Uganda — Not for Sale,” deployed digital tracking systems, and intensified ethics training for health workers.
Baryomunsi encouraged citizens to be vigilant when buying medicines in private pharmacies.
“Whenever you see a government-embossed drug on sale, report immediately. That drug was meant to save a life in a public facility,” he said.
Officials say the combined approach of community monitoring, technology, and stricter supervision is key to reducing losses and ensuring patients get treatment on time.
