By Davis Mugabi
The National Medical Stores (NMS) has come under the spotlight for causing financial loss to the government.
According to the latest Auditor General Report, 5,619,120 COVID-19 vaccines, valued at Shs 28.159 Bn, expired in the stores of National Medical Stores, yet the vaccines were bought by a loan from the World Bank.
“Out of 12,595,920 Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines in Stores, 5,619,120 Doses had expired. The expired COVID-19 value of the vaccines, as at reporting date, was worth. More expired vaccines still lie in various health facilities across the country and the total combined loss to be incurred next year is estimated at Shs 300 Bn. These are vaccines procured out of the World Bank loan advanced for COVID-19 support,” read in part the report.
Meanwhile, while handing over the report to Parliament on Tuesday morning, AG John Muwanga revealed that Uganda’s total public debt as at 30th June 2023 stood at Shs 96.168 Trn, comprising of domestic debt stock of Shs 43 696 Trn and external debt stock of Shs 52 472 Trn, with the report noting that Uganda’s debt in five years has increased by 107%.
