National Medical Stores (NMS) has launched of a nationwide media campaign against drug pilferage while urging Parliament to tighten fines to deter the theft of government-procured medicines.
Speaking at the launch of the one month long campaign, the NMS General Manager, Mr. Moses Kamabare, said:
“Currently, when someone steals medicines worth UGX 200 million, they can walk away with a fine of about UGX 5 million. That is far too lenient. We recommend that whoever is found culpable pays three times the value of the
commodities they are caught with. If someone is caught with goods worth UGX 1 billion, they should pay UGX 3 billion. That is how we deter offenders.”
The awareness campaign will run nationwide on radios and across online platforms to reach both rural and urban communities. It reinforces accountability, prevention, and the principle that government medicines-fully paid for with taxpayers’ money-must never be sold under any circumstances.
Kamabare emphasized that drug theft is not only an economic crime but a direct threat to human life:
“Medicines are not just government assets that cost money, when stolen, they cost lives. No Ugandan should die because the drugs meant to save them were taken away.”he reaffirmed NMS’s transparency in distribution and citizen oversight:
“Every truck that leaves NMS is loaded with life-saving supplies and is fitted with GPS trackers. From here, we at NMS are able to monitor when a track stops. Furthermore, we send dispatch and delivery alerts so stakeholders can
monitor and verify deliveries in real time. Each consignment is accompanied with stamped and signed delivery notes..any citizen or official can verify that medicines reached their facility in good order.” Kamabare also reminded the public that medicines in government facilities are free of charge:
“If anyone asks you to pay, that is theft, report it immediately.”Police, HMU and Ministry of Health commit to tougher action
and prevention
On his part, the Uganda Police Force Spokesperson, ACP Rusoke Kituuma, pledged protection for whistleblowers and firm enforcement:
“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.”
Head of the Health Monitoring Unit (HMU), Dr. Warren Namara, highlighted the scale of the problem and recent recoveries:
“The health of the population is a strategic resource. You destroy it at your own peril. In the past two years alone, we have recovered medicines and equipment worth over UGX 1.5 billion. Many cases are in court, and countless patients
have suffered because drugs meant to save them were stolen.”
Director General of Health Services, Dr. Charles Olaro, pointed to upcoming reforms and prevention:“The forthcoming National Drug and Health Products Authority Bill will be a game-changer, with strict penalties and special provisions for those entrusted with government medicines. But prevention is equally vital—safer road use, reduced alcohol intake, avoiding smoking, good nutrition, and exercise will lessen the demand for medicines and save lives.”
He added that hospitals are strengthening accountability-stock cards, dispensing logs, and Medicines & Therapeutics Committees-while aligning procurement plans to actual patient needs to reduce expiries and wastage.
About NMS
Established in 1993, the National Medical Stores (NMS) is mandated to procure, store, and distribute Essential Medicines and Health Supplies (EMHS) to all government health facilities in Uganda, as well as the Uganda Police Force,
Uganda Prisons Service, and Uganda People’s Defence Forces.
NMS currently delivers medicines every two months to more than 3,400 government health facilities, and monthly to the seven National Referral Hospitals and specialized institutes.
To the extent possible, all medicines distributed by NMS are embossed with “Government of Uganda – Not for Sale” and marked with “UG” on each tablet or vial. Selling embossed medicines is a criminal offence and must be reported immediately to the Police, the State House Health Monitoring Unit, or through the official reporting hotline.
Call to Action
The Ministry of Health, NMS, the Health Monitoring Unit, and the Uganda Police Force call on all Ugandans to join in the fight against drug pilferage stating that government medicines are free and must remain free.
