NMS calls for tougher drug theft laws as elderly day approaches

29 September 2025, 4:23 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The General Manager of National Medical Stores (NMS), Mr Moses Kabamare, has revealed that coffins are among the unusual items criminals use to illegally transport government medicines. Speaking today at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, he said some of these medicines never reach their intended health facilities, resulting in significant losses for the health sector.

As a solution, NMS has proposed tougher penalties for offenders. Kabamare argued that if sanctions were tripled, they would act as a stronger deterrent.

“Currently, when someone steals medicines worth Shs200 million, they can walk away with a fine of about Shs5 million. That is far too lenient. We recommend that anyone found guilty should pay three times the value of the commodities in their possession. If someone is caught with goods worth Shs1 billion, they should pay Shs3 billion. That is how we deter offenders,” he said, urging Parliament to pass legislation to that effect.

The Director General of Health Services, Dr Charles Olaro, and the Executive Director of the Health Monitoring Unit, State House, Dr Warren Naamara, supported the proposal. Dr Naamara revealed that one suspect had been arrested three times but repeatedly granted bail, highlighting the need to close existing loopholes.

Uganda Police spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma added that addressing the problem requires joint action from all stakeholders, including the media.

National Medical Stores is a government agency mandated to procure, store, and distribute medicines and medical supplies to public health facilities.

Meanwhile, Uganda will join the rest of the world on 1 October 2025 to mark the International Day of Older Persons. The national celebrations will be held in Jinja District, with President Yoweri Museveni expected as the chief guest. The Minister of State for the Elderly, Gidudu Mafwabi, said a special package has been prepared for senior citizens and encouraged those able to attend or follow the proceedings via radio and social media platforms.