NDA stuck with 200m untested condoms

By Paul Kiwuuwa and Moses Walubiri  
        
The National Drug Authority (NDA) is stuck with 200 million condoms that require pre-testing and verification before released to the public for use.

NDA executive director, Dr Gordon Sematiko, told MPs on the committee of Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises that the authority lacks adequate personnel to clear the stock.

 He   warned that the country could face a condom crisis if the consignment is not tested by the end of this year.

“We have one staff in the laboratory. For the laboratory to be effective, it requires at least 16 people to run tests on each condom,” Sematiko said.

Responding to Angelina Ossege Soroti woman MP (FDC) worry of lack staff in the laboratory, Sematiko explained that “the absence of a substantive board means NDA management cannot make decisions such as recruiting staff. We employed part time staff, but left before their term of office expired.”

Sematiko warned there is likely to be a shortage of condoms during the festive seasons.

 “We need to test them and have these consignments cleared before the festive season,” he said.

He said according to health ministry it is estimated that Ugandans need about 283 million condoms annually but only 97 million were in stock as of end of November 2012. Donors pay for at least 80 per cent of the condoms used in Uganda.

Bukomansimbi County MP Deogratius Kiyingi of DP queried the authenticity of some condom types, revealing that some imported condoms are of low quality and could cause grave health risks.