OPINION:UGANDA’S RELIGIOUS LEADERS CAN CHAMPION MEDICINE ACCOUNTABILITY

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By Esther Oluka
In Kampala—–

NMS General Manager Moses Kamabare addresses religious leaders and stakeholders in Entebbe

Uganda’s churches and mosques are more than spiritual homes.
They are powerful platforms of influence. In the fight against medicine theft, religious leaders have an opportunity to use that influence for the health of the nation.
Despite government efforts through the National Medical Stores (NMS), challenges such as stockouts, illegal sales and drug diversion persist in health facilities. Patients often pay the price with delayed or denied treatment.
This is where clerics can step in. Preacher Moses Akanga says religious leaders can use their pulpits and gatherings to tell communities that medicines supplied by government are free and labeled “Government of Uganda – Not for Sale.” Such reminders carry weight when voiced by trusted spiritual authorities.

Religious leaders can also shape the ethical choices of health workers who sit in their congregations. “A word from a respected pastor, sheikh or elder can influence ethical decisions in ways formal supervision cannot,” observes community mobiliser Seith Mukasa.
Beyond sermons, faith leaders can support whistleblowers who fear retaliation, advocate with local authorities, and champion accountability as a moral duty.
Drug theft is not only about supply chains; it is about values. It robs the vulnerable of care and undermines trust in public systems. By lending their moral authority to this cause, Uganda’s religious leaders can help shift the culture from blame to collective action — ensuring medicines serve the people they were meant for.
The author is a midwife in Soroti.