Four arrested over theft of ARV drugs in Gulu

The 20 boxes of PrEP, an antiretroviral drug used to prevent HIV infection, have since been secured as exhibits while investigations continue.

Gulu, Uganda: The Territorial Police at Gulu are holding four suspects over the alleged theft and unlawful transportation of 20 boxes of government-owned Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) drugs belonging to Awach Health Centre IV.

The consignment was intercepted on Thursday, October 16, 2025, during a routine police patrol around 2:00 PM, after officers stopped a motorcycle transporting the drugs without official clearance.

The rider, identified as Rubangakene Daniel Ismail, reportedly told police that he had been sent by Bejja Ronald, a clinical officer attached to Awach Health Centre IV, and presented a requisition letter purportedly issued by Health Rights Initiative (HRI).

However, both Awach Health Centre IV and the Gulu District Health Office have since denied knowledge of the consignment movement, insisting that no official requisition had been approved through the designated channels.

Police later arrested three additional suspects; Komakech John, an inventory officer, Bejja Ronald, a clinical officer at the facility, and Obalim Winnie, the programmes manager at Health Rights Initiative, all of whom are currently detained at Gulu Central Police Station.

Aswa West Police spokesperson ASP David Ongom Mudong confirmed the recovery of the drugs and said investigations are ongoing to establish the authenticity of the requisition and the legality of the transfer.

“The suspects are cooperating with investigators, and we are verifying whether the requisition was legitimate and if proper procedures were followed,” ASP Mudong said.

The 20 boxes of PrEP, an antiretroviral drug used to prevent HIV infection, have since been secured as exhibits while investigations continue.