The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kabale, Major Godfrey Katamba, has called on the people of Kigezi sub-region to play an active role in the fight against drug pilferage from public health facilities, describing it as a civic duty that requires community vigilance alongside government action.
Speaking during a monitoring visit to health centres in Kabale, Major Katamba urged the public to report any incidents where drugs labelled “Government of Uganda – Not for Sale” are found being sold in private clinics or pharmacies.
“I would like to appeal to the public to always be vigilant. When they go to private clinics and are sold drugs meant to be in government health facilities, they should inform us,” said Katamba. “
As security, we will take appropriate action against such people. But this fight is not for security officers alone—it requires the civic responsibility of every Ugandan.”
He noted that while security agencies, including the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) and Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISOs), actively monitor drug distribution and conduct routine checks, the success of the campaign hinges on public cooperation.
“We hold periodic inspections at health centres and also engage with patients directly. So far, we have not registered any cases of drug theft in Kabale, and that is a good sign—but we must not relax,” he said.
The RDC’s appeal comes amid a national campaign to curb drug theft, which continues to cost Uganda’s health sector billions in losses each year.
To prevent pilferage, Katamba explained that Kabale has put in place a system of checks and balances.
He emphasized that when the public understands their right to free medicine and joins hands with authorities, the likelihood of drug theft reduces significantly.
“This is not just about enforcement—it’s about building a culture of accountability and shared responsibility. People should feel empowered to speak up when they see wrong,” Katamba added.
Health rights advocates and officials from the Ministry of Health have commended such local-level leadership as key to restoring trust in the public healthcare system, which serves millions of Ugandans, especially in rural areas.
