The Police and National Drug Authority-NDA have arrested a midwife at Luwero Hospital for alleged theft of government drugs worth five million shillings.
The suspect is Harriet Namusisi a midwife at Luwero government hospital.
Namusisi was arrested at Kasana trading center in Luwero town after she attempted to sell the drugs to an official of NDA who had disguised as a buyer from a private clinic. She was arrested with two bags stuffed with government drugs clearly marked not for sale.
Sam Twineamazima, the Savannah Regional Police Spokesperson says that the drugs have been exhibited and Namusisi detained at Luwero Central Police Station as investigations into the matter go on.
He adds that Namusisi faces charges of illegal possession of government stores which contravenes section 316 of the Penal Code Act and unlawful possession of classified drugs contrary to section 27(2) of the National Drug Policy and Authority Act.
Abiaz Rwamwiri the Spokesperson of NDA says that the team received reports that Namusisi was selling government drugs and they decided to disguise are buyers.
Rwamwiri adds that Namusisi was immediately arrested after she turned up with two bags containing the drugs clearly marked not for sale and property of the government.
It is believed that Namusisi stole the drugs from Bwaziba Health Centre II before she was transferred to Luwero Hospital eleven days ago.
Namusisi was found in possession of drugs that include hydrogen peroxide, anti-malaria drugs, syrups and condoms among others clearly marked not for sale.
Luwero District Health Officer Doctor Innocent Nkonwa was unavailable to comment on the arrest but it is reported that his office has ordered an audit of drugs disbursed to Bwaziba health center to confirm whether Namusisi stole it from there.
Namusisi’s arrest comes at a time when patients visiting government health centers repeatedly complain about drug stocks a few weeks after National Medical Stores makes deliveries.