Police probe rampant break-ins into govt hospitals in Nwoya

Security personnel have launched an investigation into the rampant break-ins at government health facilities in Nwoya district. 

This follows two separate incidents where unknown people broke into the drug stores of Langol health centre II in Paminyai sub-county and Lulyango health centre II in Lungulu sub-county over the weekend and made off with an unspecified quantity of drugs and medical supplies. The incident is the third in less than a month.

Nwoya acting district health officer Isaac Okello Wonyima said in an interview Monday that unknown people broke into Langol health centre II for the second time on Saturday and stole all medicines from the drug store. Lulyango health centre II was broken into on Sunday morning but nothing valuable was taken.

Okello notes that they are yet to ascertain the quantity of medicine and assorted medical supplies stolen from the facilities but hastens to add that the vice seems coordinated. Okello adds that the theft which is disastrous for the struggling health sector in the rural community.

He added that a few months ago, unknown people broke into Coorom health centre II in Koch Goma sub-county and made off with an unspecified quantity of drugs that haven’t been recovered to date.

“I’m worried if people are stealing medicine, and they are not arrested or they’re not found. It’s a big worry for us medical personnel and the district,” says Okello.

Nwoya resident district commissioner Christopher Omara confirmed the incidents but was quick to fault the security guards at the health facilities for negligence. He says the preliminary report indicates the security guards in the two health facilities which were broken into were not available when the thugs invaded.

He says they have launched a major investigation into the theft of drugs adding that the culprits behind will be apprehended and tried in court.

URN however, understands that four suspects have been arrested and detained for questioning at Nwoya central police station in regard to the theft of drugs at Langol health centre II. They include the health facility in charge, a watchman, and two other unidentified locals who reside near the police station.