The National Drug Authority’s (NDA) intelligence and enforcement team has arrested Ronald Kibalya Nditusawa, a health worker at Kamuli General Hospital, for possession of 12 boxes containing 720 tins of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) marked “Government of Uganda: Not for Sale.”
The drugs, estimated to be 64,800 doses, were intercepted while being delivered for illegal sale in Nansana, Wakiso District.
Kibalya was apprehended alongside three accomplices ,Moses Mwesigwa , Walter Bwambale , and Godfrey Mumbere .
The suspects were transporting the stolen drugs in a Toyota Primo vehicle, registration number UBN 848Y.
The NDA enforcement team caught them red-handed attempting to move the drugs to their intended destination.
Since March 2024, the NDA has intensified its crackdown on the theft and resale of government drugs, recovering over shs2.5 billion worth of stolen medical supplies.
The agency has warned that individuals involved in the misuse of public health resources will face severe legal consequences.
In a statement, the NDA emphasized that the diversion of government drugs deprives vulnerable Ugandans of critical healthcare services.
ARVs, which are distributed freely to HIV/AIDS patients under Uganda’s health programs, are vital in managing the epidemic and safeguarding public health.
The suspects are currently in custody and will face charges related to theft and misuse of government property.
NDA officials reiterated their commitment to ensuring that public health resources serve their intended purpose, urging citizens to report cases of drug theft or sale of government-marked supplies.
This latest arrest highlights the persistent issue of drug theft within Uganda’s healthcare system.
The NDA has vowed to continue monitoring and investigating such incidents to protect the integrity of the country’s public health programs.
