Opinion: Faith Leaders Must Help Protect Uganda’s Medicines

By Esther Oluka

Religious leaders are among the most trusted voices in Uganda. Every week, millions gather in churches, mosques and prayer groups seeking guidance not just for their souls, but for their daily lives. That trust can also be harnessed to protect public health.

The National Medical Stores (NMS) delivers essential medicines to health facilities across the country. Yet stockouts, illegal payments and outright theft continue to deny patients the care they deserve. Tackling this is not just about law enforcement — it is about moral leadership.

From pulpits and Friday prayers, clerics can remind congregants that government medicines are free and stamped “Not for Sale.” Such simple reminders can empower patients to demand their rights and discourage health workers from abusing their responsibility.

As Kampala preacher Moses Akanga recently observed in a widely publicised sermon, Bible study groups and youth forums offer powerful channels for education.

And because many health workers are active members of faith communities, religious leaders can speak to their conscience directly.

Faith leaders can also give whistleblowers a safe place to voice concerns and work with village councils and RDCs to follow up reports of malpractice.

Stealing medicines is not just a logistical failure — it is a moral one. It deprives the sick, betrays the vulnerable, and erodes trust in institutions.

Religious leaders have a chance to lead a national movement of responsibility and integrity — one sermon at a time.

The author is a midwife in Soroti.