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Two Kitagwenda Officials Interdicted Over Drug Theft

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Two Kitagwenda Officials Interdicted Over Drug Theft
Businge has been on the run

Two public officials in Kitagwenda District have been interdicted over allegations of stealing and selling government medical supplies, sparking renewed calls for accountability in public health services.

Interdiction refers to the temporary suspension of a public officer from their duties while an investigation is conducted.

The officials, Ronald Mukamasimwe, an assistant inventory management officer at Ntara Health Centre IV, and Julius Businge, a health information assistant at Mahyoro Health Centre III, are accused of illegally trading essential medicines and equipment meant for public health facilities.

The stolen supplies, including Paracetamol tablets, Cotrimoxazole capsules, and gloves labeled “Government of Uganda - Not for Sale,” were intercepted by police at Kyendangara Trading Centre in Mahyoro Town Council.

According to reports, the items were being transported by a boda-boda rider when law enforcement officers seized them.

Kitagwenda Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Nicholus Nuwagira confirmed the six-month interdiction of the officials to allow for an in-depth investigation into the allegations.

“This is part of our commitment to ensuring accountability and protecting public resources. We will not tolerate any form of corruption or abuse of office,” Nuwagira told The Nile Post.

The suspension comes amid widespread public outcry over rampant theft of government drugs in Kitagwenda District.

Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the loss of critical medical supplies, with many alleging that suspects often bribe their way out of justice.

The RDC’s swift action has been welcomed as a step in the right direction to curb the vice.

A recent audit by the State House Health Monitoring Unit (HMU) revealed that drugs worth UGX 700 million were stolen in Kitagwenda over the past two years.

This shocking figure underscores the extent of the problem and the urgent need for enhanced oversight in the management of medical supplies.

The theft of government medical supplies has far-reaching consequences, particularly for vulnerable communities relying on public health facilities.

Residents have called for stringent measures to ensure that culprits are not only held accountable but also deterred from engaging in similar acts in the future.

Authorities have vowed to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and improve transparency in the distribution of medical supplies to public health facilities.

Efforts are also underway to address the systemic issues that enable such thefts, including corruption and weak enforcement of existing laws.

The interdiction of the two officials sends a strong message that the government is committed to protecting public resources.

As investigations continue, stakeholders hope this case will mark a turning point in the fight against corruption in Kitagwenda District and beyond.

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