Oyam district CAO warns health officials against theft of government drugs

15 June 2025, 10:46 am

By Eman Yonah Oruk

Frederick Herbert Kitutu, the Chief Administrative Officer of Oyam district, recently issued a stern warning to health officials during the third quarterly health performance review held at Rainbow Hotel in Oyam town council.

Kitutu explicitly cautioned health workers, particularly those in charge, about the theft of government drugs. He emphasised that anyone found guilty would be held accountable, either by losing their job or facing imprisonment. He stressed that this was the final warning, urging in-charges to take the matter seriously, as there would be no mercy for offenders.

Kitutu further pointed out that some health facilities in Oyam worsen patients’ conditions due to poor management. He cited Agulurude Health Centre as an example, noting that it appears clean from the front but lacks proper maintenance inside. He also criticised staff for failing to wear uniforms during working hours, making it difficult to identify health workers.

Additionally, he highlighted the failure to purchase a tap for a water-harvesting tank worth 25,000 Ugandan shillings. However, he praised the in-charge of Ajaga Health Centre III for consistently maintaining cleanliness at the facility.

In his speech, Richard Tabaro, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Oyam, urged health workers to uphold professionalism in their duties to avoid legal consequences, emphasising that the law does not discriminate based on one’s status or position.

Benson Walter Dila Oyuku, the LC5 Chairperson of Oyam district, blamed facility in-charges for failing to take responsibility. He noted that much of their work is done by support staff, making them too powerful within the facility. He warned that if any drugs are stolen, the in-charge would be held accountable, as they are the primary accounting officer for their respective health facilities.

Deputy District Health Officer, Caroline Agaro outlined eight major challenges affecting the health sector in Oyam district that need urgent attention: low staffing levels, poor staff attitudes toward work, late reporting to duty and early departures, theft of government property, poor maintenance of infrastructure, low reporting rates, data discrepancies, and poor sanitation in urban centres.

In his remarks, LC3 Chairperson of Kamdini town council, Sam Paul Ogwang Alunyu attributed absenteeism and theft of government property in Oyam to corruption in the district service.

He claimed that job positions in Oyam are often sold for over 10 million Ugandan shillings, leading individuals who purchase jobs to engage in theft to recover their money. He emphasised that to address this issue, jobs should be awarded based on merit rather than personal connections such as relatives, in-laws, or friends.

This powerful message comes two months after police officers at Oyam Central Police Station arrested two suspects: George Okeng, an enrolled nurse responsible for managing the store at Ngai Health Centre III, and Ambrose Ameny, a volunteer at the facility. Their actions came to light when a staff member at the facility alerted local leaders about Okeng loading medical drugs and transporting them to an unknown location.