Kayunga Hospital receives over 64,000 doses of impounded ARVs
The handover came after NDA's plea to the Chief Magistrate of the Utilities Court in Makindye to have these life-saving drugs handed over to those who are in critical need of them.
A team of health workers from Kayunga regional referral hospital receiving ARVs from officials from National Drug Authority. (Courtesy photos)
Agnes Kyotalengerire
Journalist @New Vision
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The National Drug Authority (NDA) has handed over 64,800 doses of Antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs it had impounded from individuals who had stolen it from Kamuli general hospital in November last year.
The handover came after NDA's plea to the Chief Magistrate of the Utilities Court in Makindye to have these life-saving drugs handed over to those who are in critical need of them. The drugs were handed over to Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital on March 4, 2025.
The suspects are on remand facing charges of, among others, illegal possession of government stores and carrying out the business of pharmacies without their license.
NDA secretary Dr. David Nahamya said the agency is happy to return these ARVs to the public access at a critical time when USAID which has been providing these life-saving drugs are pulling back.
A team of health workers from Kayunga regional referral hospital and officials from National Drug Authority pose for a group photo.
“We have intelligence that these drugs were being stolen and smuggled to neighbouring counties, leaving our people in desperate need,” Nahamya said.
Kayunga Hospital director Dr Robert Sentongo confirmed the development and faulted the thieves who had the motive of selling the ARVs, yet people living with HIV access them at free cost.
He said the ARVs will benefit people living with HIV in Kayunga region which comprises six districts: Kayunga, Mukono, Buikwe, Buvuuma, Luwero and Nakasongola.
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a combination of medications used to treat HIV. It works by stopping HIV from reproducing. ARVs can reduce your levels of HIV and keep your immune system healthy.