The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has granted bail to Gladys Ithugu, one of the suspects in the Kitagwenda drug theft case, while the ruling on her co-accused has been postponed.
Dr Warren Namara, executive director of the State House Health Monitoring Unit (HMU), confirmed that despite the State’s opposition, the court proceeded to release Ithugu on a cash bail of Shs500,000.
Her sureties were bonded at Shs5 million not cash.
However, the other accused persons—Ronald Mukama Asiimwe, an assistant inventory management officer at Ntara Health Centre IV, and Allan Mumbere, who was arrested while allegedly transporting the stolen drugs on a boda boda—remain in custody as they await a ruling on their bail applications.
Dr. Namara stated that the suspects had appeared in court last week and pleaded not guilty.
“Their defense lawyers applied for bail, but the prosecution requested time to verify the sureties before a decision could be made,” he said. The court adjourned its ruling on their applications to March 20, 2025, at 10 AM.
The accused, including Julius Businge, a health information assistant at Mahyoro Health Centre III who remains at large, are facing charges related to the illegal trade of essential medicines and medical equipment meant for public health facilities.
Authorities intercepted the stolen medical supplies—including Paracetamol tablets, Cotrimoxazole capsules, and gloves labeled “Government of Uganda - Not for Sale”—at Kyendangara Trading Centre in Mahyoro Town Council.