BY JOACKIM KULE
Another person has been arrested by the Uganda National Drug Authority (NDA) in connection to the alleged sale of government donated Antiretroviral Drugs (ARVs) in Kasese district.
The suspect has been identified by the Mr. Abiaz Ramwiri, the Public Relations Manager for the Uganda National Drug Authority as Joackim Bwambale, a health worker at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital in Kasese town.
His arrest comes after the same Authority arrested two other suspects including Justine Ithungu and Paul Bwambale Makanika last Friday who were found in possession of 45,000 doses of ARVs.
Like the duo, Joackim Bwambale, who was arrested today, has also been transported to Kampala where he will appear in court.
Mr. Ramwiri told the press that Joackim Bwambale was arrested in an intelligence led operation on allegations that he could be the one supplying ARVs to Makanika since he works in the ART department at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital.
According to Ranwiri, the CCTV cameras at the facility showed footages of the suspect packing ARVs and putting them on a motorcycle.
He also revealed that in collaboration with the medics at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital who work in the Records Department, they found out that Joackim Bwambale signed for a full box of ARVs containing 250 tins.
The Authority’s Mouthpiece stressed that the State wants to know the people who buy and consume those stolen ARVs which are donated by government for use by the clients at a free cost.
He also told journalists at Kasese Central Police Station where the suspect had shortly been detained that government is also interested in knowing the source of funds that Makanika used to renovate the buildings that are currently housing Kilembe Mines Hospital, a role that is entirely reserved for government.
About the fate of the first two suspects who were arrested last week, Ramwiri revealed that they were arraigned in court last Tuesday and remanded to Luzira Prison until May 13.
ENDS