A health information assistant attached to Mahyoro Health Centre III in Kitagwenda District has been remanded to Luzira Prison over the alleged theft of government medical supplies.
Julius Businge was arrested two weeks ago by officers from the State House Health Monitoring Unit (HMU) after reportedly going into hiding in January 2025. He was initially detained at Jinja Central Police Station before being produced in court and remanded.
The Executive Director of the Health Monitoring Unit, Dr Warren Naamara, confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect had been on the run for several months.
“We have been looking for him since last year. He managed to evade arrest for some time, but our team eventually tracked him down and apprehended him,” Dr Naamara said. “We remain committed to protecting government medical supplies meant for the public.”
Businge is jointly charged with Ronald Mukamasimwe, the former assistant inventory management officer at Ntara Health Centre IV, who is currently serving as a procurement officer. The two face charges related to the alleged theft and illegal sale of government drugs.
According to police records under file number KGD-CRB 437/24, the case dates back to December 2024, when law enforcement officers recovered assorted medical supplies around Kyendangara Trading Centre. The recovered items included paracetamol tablets, cotrimoxazole capsules, and gloves labelled “Government of Uganda – Not for Sale.”
The drugs were reportedly being transported on a boda-boda for suspected illegal sale.
Following the incident, Mukamasimwe was arrested in early January 2025 and later released on police bond. He was subsequently interdicted for six months to allow investigations to proceed and has since resumed his duties after completing the interdiction period.
Dr Naamara emphasised that investigations are still ongoing.
“No one will be shielded where there is evidence of wrongdoing. Public health resources must reach their intended beneficiaries,” he said.
Businge remains on remand at Luzira Prison as he awaits further court proceedings.
