NDA has arrested a health worker over smuggling ARVs

26 April 2024, 9:09 pm

By Augustine Mumbere

The National Drug Authority has arrested one Joackim Bwambale, a health worker attached to Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital in Kasese district, over allegations of smuggling antiretroviral drugs -ARVs allegedly supplied to Mr. Paul Bwambale Makanika, a pharmacist, currently detained in Luzira Prison.

Mr. Abiaz Rwamwiri, the Public Relations Manager at the National Drug Authority confirmed the incident to the press today at Kasese Central Police Station where the suspect had been briefly detained.

Mr. Rwamwiri noted that Mr. Joackim supplied 250 tins of ARVs to Mr. Paul Makanika who was arrested from Kasese this month after being found in possession of 450 tins of ARVs and is now on remand at Luzira prison with his fellow Ithungu Justine who is also facing the same charges.

According to Mr. Rwamwiri, Mr. Joackim got the drugs from the facility’s store in pretense to take for use and was later seen packing to a boda-boda taking to Mr. Makanika’s drug shop.

Mr. Rwamwiri speaking…

The suspect has been transferred to Kampala where he will be charged with theft and selling of government drugs with an additional charge of abuse of office by the health worker.

He is expected to be produced before the Buganda Road Court soon.

Mr. Rwamwiri subsequently cautioned the public against playing with government property, arguing that the act causes a financial loss to the economy. Mr. Paul Bwambale Makanika and Ms. Justine Ithungu are to appear to Buganda Road Court in Kampala on 13^th May 2024.