crime 5 May 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Two Rwandans Sentenced to 3 Years for Peddling Fake HIV Drugs in Uganda
A Masaka court has imprisoned two Rwandan nationals for three years after they were found guilty of selling counterfeit HIV treatments from a hotel room, tricking patients into ditching their ARVs. The duo charged high fees for herbal mixtures falsely promoted as cures. Source: https://observer.ug/news/two-rwandans-jailed-three-years-for-selling-fake-hiv-dr
Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court convicted Festo Mugabe, 37, and Nathan Karamuzi, 28, both from Rwanda and living in Kakuuto sub-county, Kyotera district. Grade one magistrate Abdallah Kayiza sentenced them to three years in jail or a Shs 300,000 fine each.
The pair ran an unauthorized HIV clinic in a Masaka City hotel room, preying on desperate patients. They convinced clients to stop antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and sold herbal powders and mixtures in bottles for Shs 150,000 to 300,000 per two-month supply, promising a full cure.
Prosecutor Michael Wekosase called police officer Ismail Ssemakula, who testified that the men sold him the fake remedies with cure guarantees. This violated national HIV/AIDS policies, the court heard.
The accused admitted guilt, citing poverty and claiming their products were harmless. They sought mercy as first offenders.
Magistrate Kayiza praised their guilty pleas and remorse, sparing them the maximum penalty. He directed the National Drug Authority (NDA) to analyze the seized substances.