President Museveni has raised concern over the alleged diversion and sale of government medicines in neighbouring countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that the practice must be stopped.
Museveni said some government drugs meant for patients in public health facilities are reportedly finding their way into private shops and neighbouring countries, leaving patients with no option but to buy medicines from private pharmacies.
The President made the remarks on Friday while addressing the NRM Parliamentary Caucus at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
Museveni said the shortage of medicines in public health facilities could be linked to corruption, inadequate budgeting or the diversion of government drugs.
“People go to the centres, they are told to go and buy from the shops. This is very dangerous. It should stop,” Museveni said.
“I have heard of these drugs going into Congo, the neighbouring countries, and also being found in the private shops, and yet they are supposed to be government of Uganda, punched with the government of Uganda stamp,” he added.
Museveni said the issue of medicine shortages would be raised before Cabinet to establish whether the problem is caused by inadequate funding or theft and diversion of medicines.
“I don’t know what the problem is with the drugs. Is it because they are being stolen, or is it because we are under-budgeting? What is the problem? So we shall have to discuss it in the Cabinet,” he said.
The President urged MPs to take up the matter and monitor the distribution of medicines to ensure that government supplies reach their intended beneficiaries.
“Is it are the drugs not enough? Is it because we are under-budgeting, or is it because the drugs are being diverted?” Museveni asked.
His remarks were part of a broader call for the NRM Parliamentary Caucus to intensify oversight of government programmes and tackle corruption affecting service delivery.
During the meeting, Museveni directed that corruption in the health sector and the Parish Development Model (PDM) be decisively addressed.
He cited the theft of medicines, absenteeism among health workers, diversion of PDM funds, the alleged sale of government jobs and other forms of corruption as practices that must end.
The President urged MPs to speak out against corruption without fear, closely monitor government programmes and ensure that public resources translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
