Health 6 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda to Digitise Drug Supply Chain to Combat Diversion
The Ugandan government is set to implement a digital system to track medicines from suppliers to patients, aiming to prevent theft and diversion. This initiative will enhance transparency and accountability within the pharmaceutical supply chain. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-to-digitise-drug-supply-chain-to-curb-diversion-5622036
The Ministry of Health in Uganda has announced plans to digitize the entire medicine supply chain. This move is intended to significantly reduce the diversion and theft of essential drugs, ensuring they reach intended health facilities and patients.
Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi stated that the new digital system will feature a dashboard allowing authorities to monitor the movement of medicines at every stage. This enhanced tracking capability is expected to identify and address any potential leakages or diversions effectively.
“We are going to digitalize the whole process so that we can have a dashboard and be able to trace the movement of drugs,” Dr. Baryomunsi explained during the launch of the America First Global Health Strategy–Joint Medical Stores (JMS) Smart-Themed Supply Chain Management and Resilient Transition in Kampala.
Reports of medicines being diverted during transit have prompted this crucial step. The minister assured that any staff found culpable in such activities would face severe consequences, including dismissal. The system aims to provide a clear line of sight from the Joint Medical Stores (JMS) or National Medical Stores to the end-user.
This initiative is supported by the U.S. Mission in Kampala, with Ms. Mary Borgman, Director of Global Health Security and Diplomacy, highlighting the U.S. commitment to strengthening Uganda’s health supply chain. The partnership aims to create a more transparent, integrated, and self-reliant system, covering both public and private not-for-profit health sectors.
Dr. Bildad Baguma, JMS Executive Director, emphasized that strengthening the supply chain is vital for improving health outcomes. The “JMS Smart” project is designed to build a resilient and responsive system, particularly crucial for reaching communities in remote areas and during health emergencies.
The U.S. government’s support is part of a broader five-year memorandum of understanding valued at $2.3 billion, focused on enhancing health systems in Uganda. Both governments expect measurable results in ensuring medicines reach the people who need them most.