Serial Drug Dealer Sentenced to Three Years Over Stolen Shs250m Government Medicines

The Makindye Chief Magistrate Court has sentenced a serial drug dealer to three years in prison following an intelligence-led operation by the National Drug Authority (NDA).

Geoffrey Bwambale was convicted on three counts, including the possession of classified drugs, possession of government stores, and operating a pharmacy business without a valid license.

Bwambale was initially arrested in July 2026 in Kyebando Cell, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District. Authorities recovered massive quantities of stolen pharmaceutical supplies valued at over Shs250 million.

According to NDA spokesperson Abiaz Rwamwiri, the seized items included over 50,000 doses of antimalarials, 150,000 doses of antibiotics, and 350,000 doses of chlorpromazine injection. Investigators also recovered intravenous fluids, local anesthetics, painkillers, and medical devices such as pregnancy test kits. All recovered items were clearly labeled “Government of Uganda, Not for Sale.”

The Chief Magistrate delivered concurrent sentences for the three charges. The NDA announced plans to destroy the impounded medical supplies because they were exposed to extreme and unsafe conditions during illegal transport and storage.

Mr Rwamwiri welcomed the court ruling, noting that over 20 suspects linked to government drug theft have been convicted within the past year alone. Through specialized operations over the past three years, the NDA has successfully recovered stolen government medicine valued at more than Shs28 billion and secured the arrest of over 73 health officials.

The authority continues to crack down on illicit pharmaceutical rings across the country, recently intercepting stolen HIV prevention medications and medical supplies in Kampala and Luweero. The NDA has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected drug-related crimes.

Read more details on the Daily Monitor.