Two suspects implicated in the theft of government drugs in Kitagwenda District have pleaded guilty before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala and have since agreed to testify as prosecution witnesses.
The suspects, Gladys Ithungu and Allan Mumbere, appeared on Wednesday before Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe, where they admitted to charges of dealing in stolen property and conspiracy to commit a felony.
Court heard that Allan Mumbere pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property and was convicted. He was sentenced to a fine of Shs 3 million or, in default, two years’ imprisonment. On the second count of conspiracy to commit a felony, he was fined Shs 1 million or one year’s imprisonment.
Similarly, Gladys Ithungu pleaded guilty to dealing in stolen property and was fined Shs 3 million or two years’ imprisonment. On the second count of conspiracy, she was fined Shs 1 million or one year’s imprisonment.
According to the Director of the State House Health Monitoring Unit, Dr. Warren Naamara, the two convicts have agreed to cooperate with the State and will testify against the remaining suspects still facing trial.
“The accused persons have entered pleas of guilty and have since undertaken to become prosecution witnesses in the ongoing case against their co-accused,” Dr. Naamara said.
The remaining suspects are Ronald Mukamasimwe, a former Assistant Inventory Management Officer at Ntara Health Centre IV, and Julius Businge, a Health Information Assistant at Mahyoro Health Centre III. Both are civil servants employed by Kitagwenda District Local Government.
The case stems from December 2024 and was registered under police reference number KGD-CRB 437/24 after Mumbere was found in possession of government drugs, including paracetamol tablets, cotrimoxazole capsules, and medical gloves allegedly stolen from Mahyoro Health Centre III.
The case against the remaining accused persons is ongoing.
