The National Medical Stores (NMS), in collaboration with Uganda’s security agencies, has successfully foiled an attempted robbery at one of its rented warehouse facilities in Entebbe, preventing the loss of essential medical supplies.

According to an official statement issued by NMS, the attempted break-in was detected in time by the organization’s security team. The team immediately coordinated with the Special Forces Command (SFC) and the Uganda Police Force, leading to the interception of the suspects before any medicines could be removed from the premises.

“The attempted robbery was successfully foiled. There was no loss of medical supplies, as the suspects were intercepted with the items still on site,” NMS said.

Security agencies swiftly cordoned off the area to allow investigations into the attempted theft to proceed. Authorities confirmed that five suspects were involved in the incident. During the operation, two suspects sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment, while three others were arrested and remain in police custody.

NMS Principal Public Relations Officer Sheilla Nduhukire reassured the public that the incident has not affected the national medicines supply chain.

“Operations at NMS remain uninterrupted. We continue to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities and remain committed to safeguarding our personnel, assets, and the integrity of the national medicines supply chain,” Nduhukire said.

She commended the coordinated response by security agencies, noting that swift action played a critical role in protecting vital health infrastructure. NMS added that it will provide further updates as investigations continue.

The attempted robbery comes at a time when authorities have heightened vigilance over medical warehouses, following repeated warnings about criminal networks targeting drugs and medical commodities meant for public health facilities.

As the government agency responsible for procuring, storing, and distributing essential medicines to public health facilities across Uganda, NMS remains a critical pillar in the country’s healthcare system. The successful interception underscores the importance of enhanced security collaboration in safeguarding strategic medical assets.