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The Joint Medical Store (JMS) has expressed confidence in maintaining a steady flow of essential medicines and medical equipment despite potential global disruptions following a series of executive orders signed by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at overhauling America’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
“Even when Trump cut funds, JMS is hopeful that services will be delivered on time,” said Miriam Ahumuza, the communications officer of JMS.
She made the remarks on the sidelines of a closed meeting between JMS executive director Dr Bildard Baguma and Dr Bernard Michael Etukoit, the executive director of The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) Uganda Limited, at Mulago National Referral Hospital on Thursday.
Ahumuza said they are still assessing the situation, even though uncertainty prevails. She explained that all JMS centres supplying medical equipment remain open, proof that the organisation continues to provide critical services.
“Yes, we feel the pinch, but what we have done is reduce funds that were directed to capacity building, channelling them to stocking more drugs,” she said.
Dr Etukoit noted that TASO is currently supplying medical drugs to 11 centres countrywide. Although concerns have been raised that this number is insufficient to meet national demand, he explained that each centre serves five to six surrounding districts to ease access to critical medicines.
Bildard Baguma (right), the Executive Director of Joint Medical Store (JMS) handing over award to Etukoit Bernard Michael (left), the Executive Director The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) celebrating partnership honoring impact appreciates during Joint Medical Store meeting The AIDS Support Organistion at The AIDS Support Organisation Mulago on September 4, 2025.