By Edward Anyoli

ABOUT 89,300 doses of malarial drugs, duocotexin and Arco, donated by the Chinese government to Uganda, were diverted to a private company called Pilgrim, a state witness has said.

Dr. James Ssekitoleko was giving evidence during the trial of three health officials.

He said the drugs were supplied to Pilgrim following requisitions made to his office by the malaria control programme officer, Dr. Richard Ndyomugenyi, senior medical officer Dr. Myers Lugemwa and programme assistant Martin Shibeki. They were in charge of the programme at the health ministry.

Dr. Ssekitoleko on Monday told court that Dr. Shibeki requisitioned another 50,760 doses of Duocotexin and 2,500 doses of Arco for Zanta of Kumi district and Ndege Senior Secondary School.

The prosecution said the drugs were meant only for referral hospitals and not individuals or schools.

Ssekitoleko said the drugs would be picked by the officials from his office, and, in some instances, collected by other people after the accused had requisitioned for them.

The witness also cited an incident in which Lugemwa personally took 1,000 doses of Arco and 960 doses of Duocotexin.