national 8 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Midwife and three others arrested for allegedly stealing Shs50 million in HIV drugs
The National Drug Authority (NDA) has apprehended a midwife from Luweero General Hospital, along with her two brothers and a former hospital security guard, for the alleged theft of over 12,000 doses of vital government medications, including antiretrovirals (ARVs), valued at approximately Shs50 million. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/four-arrested-over-theft-of-12-000-doses-of-hiv-drugs-5624466
An intelligence-led operation by the National Drug Authority (NDA) has resulted in the arrest of four individuals suspected of stealing and possessing government drugs valued at over Shs50 million. Among those arrested is Irene Marion Namugenyi, a midwife at Luweero General Hospital, who, along with her two brothers and a former hospital security guard, Titus Kule, is accused of illicitly holding more than 12,000 doses of antiretrovirals (ARVs) and other essential medicines.
The operation, initiated by a tip-off, spanned multiple locations including the suspect’s residence in Kisaasi, Kampala, and Kyalugondo Health Centre III in Luweero District. Authorities reported discovering a significant quantity of government-labelled medicines, including ARVs, antibiotics, cotton wool, and syringes, marked ‘Government of Uganda - For Public Use, Not for Sale’.
NDA spokesperson Abiaz Rwamwiri stated that their investigation indicated Namugenyi absconded from her workplace with drugs and intended to sell them from her home, where her brothers were allegedly found with the stolen stock. During a search of her residence, signs of repackaging and rebranding of government drugs were reportedly discovered. Further investigations led to the arrest of Titus Kule at Kyalugondo Health Centre III, with authorities asserting the recovered drugs originated from Luweero General Hospital via Namugenyi.
Namugenyi has denied the charges, claiming she was framed and only requested a limited quantity of medication. The suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to face charges related to unlawful possession of government stores and classified drugs. NDA officials emphasized the detrimental impact of such thefts on public healthcare access and treatment efficacy, warning of potential drug resistance and treatment failure.
The NDA highlighted its ongoing efforts to combat drug theft, having recovered an estimated Shs25 billion worth of stolen medicines and arrested over 68 health officials in the past six years. They urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected drug-related crimes.