By Andante Okanya

A search for stolen Government drugs in private clinics yesterday netted five people in the Bwaise and Kawempe suburbs of Kampala, while two others were arrested for stealing delivery kits in Mbarara.

The operation in the city that started at 10:00am and went on until evening, was conducted by a team of detectives from Kawempe Police station, together with the Medicines Health Services Monitoring Unit.

It was split into five teams that combed the various villages amid heavy security.

Those arrested were Muhammad Ssebaggala from Family Hope Medical Centre, Valeria Gaava from Bwaise Clinic, Ritah Bamukisa from the Ebenezer Clinic, Hellen Abia from Family Care Clinic, and Fatuma Nansubuga from the Royal General Clinic.

Branded drugs found in their clinics included Lumartem, Coartem, and Duo-Cotecxin, all anti-malarial drugs, and Ri-Haz, a tuberculosis drug.

All the suspects, who will be charged with theft and unlawful possession of Government drugs, recorded statements at the Police station where they remained detained for the night.

Ian Kakuru, the officer in charge of the CID monitoring unit, said they could have netted more but some owners locked their clinics and pharmacies after they were tipped off about the operation, while others hid the branded drugs.

He added that the Internal Security Organisation sent out scouts to investigate the suspected clinics before the operation was carried out.

Kakuru said all the drugs batch numbers will be scrutinised by the National Medical Stores to find out where they were destined for.

The monitoring unit was set up by President Yoweri Museveni to track drugs stolen from the Ministry of Health and Government drug stores.

Several complaints have been made over the disappearance of drugs, which are supposed to be free in Government hospitals and medical centres. They are usually sold in private clinics and pharmacies.

In a separate development, a midwife and watchman at a health centre in Mbarara were arrested yesterday for stealing hospital gear.

Annah Atwiine, 27, a midwife at Bwizibwera health centre IV in Kashari, is being held at Mbarara Central Police Station, together with Baganda Wilson, the night guard. They are accused of selling delivery kits, also known as mama kits, and Jik detergents to expecting mothers. Paul Somokwo, the DPC of Mbarara, said investigations are still going on.