Ugandan lawmaker Charles Ayume on Friday called on citizens to unite in safeguarding medicines supplied to public health facilities, saying the fight against theft was a matter of national survival.
Ayume, chair of parliament’s health committee, said protecting the drug supply chain required both government oversight and grassroots vigilance. “I call upon every Ugandan—health workers, leaders, and communities—to join hands. When we protect our medicines together, we protect life,” he said.
Drug theft has long strained Uganda’s health system. A 2024 government audit estimated that up to 30 percent of medicines distributed to public facilities never reach patients. Officials say common targets include malaria drugs, antibiotics, and HIV treatments.
The Ministry of Health and the National Medical Stores have introduced reforms such as digital tracking devices, embossed drug labels, and public awareness drives. International partners, including USAID and the Global Fund, have also invested in strengthening accountability.
Ayume said stronger penalties for offenders and protection for whistleblowers would help, but the real solution lay in national solidarity. “This is not about blame,” he added. “It is about unity. When medicines reach our people, hope reaches our families. Together, we can stop the loss and build a healthier nation.”
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