Summary:
- According to Emmy Katera, the Mbarara Resident District Commissioner, the two were arrested following concerns by the Ministry of Health over discrepancies in drug accountabilities in Mbarara district spanning the fiscal years 2021/22 and 2022/23.
MBARARA: Police in Mbarara district have detained two individuals accused of distributing government drugs to non-existent health facilities within the district.
The suspects include Florence Tumwijukye, who manages the storeroom at Bwizibwera Health Centre IV, and Edward Kiyingi, a dispenser at the same facility.
According to Emmy Katera, the Mbarara Resident District Commissioner, the two were arrested following concerns by the Ministry of Health over discrepancies in drug accountabilities in Mbarara district spanning the fiscal years 2021/22 and 2022/23. According to a document received by district authorities, only 50% of delivered drugs were properly documented, prompting immediate action.
Turyabagyenyi, speaking to journalists on Thursday at his office in Bwizibwera-Rutooma town council, disclosed that a recent district security meeting uncovered allegations against Florence Tumwijukye. It was revealed that she, in her role managing stores at Bwizibwera Health Centre IV, had purportedly falsified the District Health Officer’s official stamp and forged signatures.
Katera mentioned that upon investigation, it was found that drugs were requested and distributed to non-existent health facilities, specifically Rukiiri Health Centre II and Rushabya Health Centre II, which do not exist in Mbarara district. The value of the drugs that were not properly accounted for was estimated to exceed UGX 12 million.
Upon making this discovery, Katera immediately authorized a search for Florence Tumwijukye, who was located in Rukiga District attending a burial ceremony. With swift coordination between district authorities, she was apprehended and brought back to Bwizibwera Health Centre IV for further questioning. The two suspects are now in custody undergoing interrogation.
CUE IN KATERA……ON ARREST……ENG//
On his part, Didas Tabaro, the chairman of Mbarara district, mentioned that some of the issues identified relate to facilities like Rukiiri Health Centre II and Kashambya, although their legitimacy as health centers is uncertain. He stated that the authorities have delegated the investigation to the police for a thorough inquiry, following which legal action will be pursued against the individuals involved.
