123 Bales of Government Mosquito Nets Seized in Iganga During Anti-Corruption Operation

Iganga – In an operation on Tuesday, 8 April, 2025, the State House Health Monitoring Unit, working on a tip off from its partner, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and working alongside the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), intercepted 123 bales of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) belonging to the Government of Uganda.

The nets,clearly branded with National Medical Stores (NMS) stickers and valued at over UGX 170 million were discovered hidden at a private residence in Walugogo Estates, Central Division, Iganga Municipality.

The suspect, identified as Basalirwa Geoffrey, a businessman in the area, was taken into custody. Preliminary investigations suggest the nets were illegally diverted from the public health system for potential resale.

“These nets are procured with taxpayers’ money to protect vulnerable communities from malaria, anybody stealing government property, government drugs, will be arrested no matter how long and how much it takes. We will not tolerate the theft and misuse of public health resources”, Dr.  Warren NAAMARA , the Director of the State House Health Monitoring Unit stated.

Investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the network behind the illegal possession and diversion of the mosquito nets.

The State House Health Monitoring Unit urges the public to report any suspicious activities involving public health commodities through it’s toll-free lines – 0800 200 447 or 0312 288300, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of public resources.