Govt health worker arrested with stolen ARV doses hidden in pit latrine
According to Abiaz Rwamwiri, the authority's public relations manager, the medicines were recovered during a special enforcement operation targeting the illegal sale and diversion of government drugs.
The suspect, identified as Nsamba Swamad, an assistant nursing officer at Kasanda Health Centre IV, was found in possession of more than 100,000 doses of antiretroviral medicines (ARVs), 15,000 doses of aspirin and 400 HIV testing kits. (Credit: UNDA)
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Authorities from the Uganda National Drug Authority (UNDA) have arrested a health worker in Kassanda district after discovering a large cache of government medicines, including antiretroviral drugs, hidden in a pit latrine at a private clinic.
The suspect, identified as Nsamba Swamad, an assistant nursing officer at Kasanda Health Centre IV, was found in possession of more than 100,000 doses of antiretroviral medicines (ARVs), 15,000 doses of aspirin and 400 HIV testing kits, all labelled with the Government of Uganda "Not for Sale" tagline.
The medicines were recovered during a special enforcement operation targeting the illegal sale and diversion of government drugs. (Credit: UNDA)
According to Abiaz Rwamwiri, the authority's public relations manager, the medicines were recovered during a special enforcement operation targeting the illegal sale and diversion of government drugs.
“UNDA special operation has led to arrest of Nsamba Swamad, an Assistant Nursing Officer of Kasanda Health Centre IV, who has been illegally found with over 100,000 doses of antiretrovirals (ARVs), 15,000 doses of Aspirin and 400 HIV testing kits all clearly marked 'Government of Uganda Not for Sale',” Rwamwiri posted on X.
Rwamwiri said Nsamba had concealed the medicines inside a pit latrine at a private clinic where he reportedly works part-time in Bukuya trading centre. UNDA believes the drugs were diverted from government health facilities and intended for illegal sale in private clinics and drug shops.
Rwamwiri said the discovery raises concerns about the theft and diversion of life-saving medicines meant for public health programmes, particularly antiretroviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV.
Uganda provides antiretroviral medicines free of charge in public health facilities as part of the national HIV treatment programme supported by the government and international partners.
The medicines were recovered during a special enforcement operation targeting the illegal sale and diversion of government drugs. (Credit: UNDA)
Health experts warn that the illegal diversion of ARVs can disrupt treatment for patients who rely on government health facilities for continuous medication.
UNDA said investigations are ongoing to determine how the medicines were obtained and whether other individuals may have been involved in the illegal scheme. The authority has also warned health workers and private health facilities against engaging in the theft or illegal sale of government medicines.
Authorities said individuals found diverting or selling government drugs face prosecution under Uganda’s drug regulations. UNDA warned that it will continue conducting enforcement operations across the country to curb the illegal distribution of medicines and protect public health programmes.