The National Medical Stores (NMS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Uganda Police Force, and the Health Monitoring Unit (HMU), has launched a nationwide media campaign urging citizens to help prevent the theft of government-procured medicines.
The one-month initiative, running on radio and online platforms across urban and rural areas, emphasizes accountability, citizen vigilance, and stricter penalties for offenders.
Speaking at the launch, NMS General Manager Moses Kamabare called for tougher sanctions, saying, “Currently, when someone steals medicines worth Shs200 million, they can walk away with a fine of about Shs5 million.
"That is far too lenient. We recommend that anyone found culpable pays three times the value of the stolen commodities. If someone is caught with goods worth shs 1 billion, they should pay shs 3 billion. That is how we deter offenders.”
Kamabare stressed that drug theft is not just an economic crime but a direct threat to human life. “Medicines are not just government assets that cost money,” he said.
“When stolen, they cost lives. No Ugandan should die because the drugs meant to save them were taken away.”
He outlined NMS’s measures to ensure transparency, including GPS-tracked trucks, dispatch and delivery alerts, and stamped delivery notes that allow citizens or officials to verify that medicines reach facilities in good order. He reminded the public, “If anyone asks you to pay, that is theft—report it immediately.”
Uganda Police Force Spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma emphasized protection for whistleblowers and strict action against offenders.
“The moment you blow the whistle, we are ready to protect you. Anyone who dares steal our medicines will be treated as a threat to national security and dealt with firmly. We must speak with one voice to defend the lives of Ugandans.”
HMU Head Dr. Warren Namara highlighted recoveries of stolen medicines worth over Shs1.5 billion in the past two years and urged media and citizens to report suspicious activity via the HMU hotline 0800 200 447.
Director General of Health Services Dr. Charles Olaro pointed to upcoming reforms under the National Drug and Health Products Authority Bill, which will introduce strict penalties and special provisions for those entrusted with government medicines.
He also stressed the importance of prevention, noting that safer road use, reduced alcohol intake, avoiding smoking, good nutrition, and exercise can lessen the demand for medicines and save lives.
Hospitals are strengthening accountability through stock cards, dispensing logs, and Medicines & Therapeutics Committees, while aligning procurement to patient needs.
The agencies collectively called on Ugandans to protect government medicines, emphasizing, “Government medicines are free. They must remain free.”
