LETTER TO THE EDITOR : How schools can instil anti-corruption values through health education

Corruption undermines public services—but integrity can be taught. Uganda’s schools offer an ideal setting to build a culture that values honesty and accountability, particularly in how public resources like medicines are managed.

Many schools have already adopted anti-corruption education under civic studies. This framework can be expanded to include real-life examples, such as drug theft, to make the lessons more tangible and relevant.

Discussing the effects of missing medicines helps students understand how dishonesty affects their own families. For instance, in 2019, the National Drug Authority (NDA) secured a conviction against Deo Mburakeye of Massajja on Salama Road to 10 years imprisonment for possessing and selling government medicines.

Mburakeye was among the 6 culprits arrested during the night operation that were held on 17th April 2019 in Kampala and surrounding areas (Nalumunye, Kitemu, Salama, Kyanja, Rubaga and Nansana), where 106 boxes of assorted medicines were impounded from 5 homes.

Mburakeye was found with 18 boxes of the 91 impounded medicines, labelled “Government of Uganda. A story about a health worker who diverted malaria drugs becomes more than a headline—it becomes a case study in values.

Teachers should ask: Who is harmed when medicines meant to be free are stolen? What would you do if someone you knew was involved? These conversations promote critical thinking and ethical reasoning. Creating Young Watchdogs When learners understand the principles of transparency, they become more alert to unfair practices—and more likely to speak up.

This not only protects health services, but strengthens society. By integrating drug accountability into school programs, Uganda is not just safeguarding medicines—it is investing in a generation that will protect what matters.

Ayume Calls for National Unity to Curb Drug Pilferage: “Stealing Medicine is an Evil Act”

Dr Charles Ayume, member of parliament for Koboko municipality and chairperson of the health committee of parliament, has strongly condemned the theft of government drugs, calling it an act of profound evil and urging Ugandans to treat it as a matter of national urgency.

Speaking in an interview, Ayume, who is also a medical doctor — expressed grave concern over the persistent problem of drug pilferage in Uganda’s public health sector, warning that those involved are compromising lives.

“Theft of drugs is of concern to me as a Member of Parliament and as a medical doctor, but also to the government,” he said. “It is definitely a bad thing. A person who steals drugs is very evil.”

Ayume likened the gravity of medicine theft to President Museveni’s past remarks on parents who refuse to immunize their children.

“You will remember the President once said that parents who don’t take their children for immunisation are worse than Joseph Kony. Because immunisation is within your reach—you have a chance to protect your child or children against the killer diseases.”

He emphasized that medicine theft is not a victimless crime but a direct attack on the lives and well-being of ordinary Ugandans, particularly the poor and vulnerable who rely on public health services.

“You’re not stealing a radio, you’re not stealing a mobile phone or money. You’re stealing something that impacts on somebody’s life,” he said.

“Whoever steals a box of Coartem, whoever sells blood and all those funny things like misappropriation of ambulances and so forth, you’re evil. It’s a very bad thing.” Ayume’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts by the ministry of Health and National Medical Stores (NMS) to combat drug pilferage through digital tracking, drug embossing, and public education campaigns.

As chairperson of the health committee, Ayume urged both health professionals and the public to take responsibility in protecting the country’s drug supply chain.

“I call upon every Ugandan—health workers, local leaders, and ordinary citizens—to report any suspected theft or misuse of medicines,” he said.

“We must act together to protect the health of our people.” He stressed the need for tighter supervision, accountability, and vigilance at all levels of service delivery.

“When you allow medicine theft to go on unchecked, you are indirectly killing people,” he warned. “Let us be bold and say no to this evil.” Ayume also encouraged health authorities to enforce stronger penalties against culprits and protect whistleblowers who expose the vice.