By Stephen Kalema
The Ministry of Health has said there are no drugs stuck with Uganda Revenue Authority. This comes in reaction to an article published by New Vision on October 14, stating that a batch of drugs donated by India to Uganda is being delayed at the border by Uganda Revenue Authority.
Speaking to Watchdog Uganda, Ministry of Health through its senior Public Relations officer, Emmanuel Ainebyoona has said that the donated drugs have not yet arrived in Uganda.
Last year in February, India’s former vice president Mohammad Hamid Ansari announced a donation of drugs worth $2million. This is the consignment reportedly stuck, awaiting clearance by Uganda Revenue Authority.
“The first two batches with drugs are currently at Mombasa and the Ministry of Health has appointed an agency called Afro-freight to handle the clearance process. Therefore it’s not true as claimed,” said Ainebyoona
On July 25th National Drug Authority issued a verification latter to the Indian High Commission in Uganda to help begin the shipment process
In reference to the same allegations Uganda Revenue Authority said “Drugs are not dutiable and all clearance of drugs are handled in the fast lane unless it is a restricted item which must first seek clearance from NDA and from our records all drug batches were cleared to customs and there is no pending cargo.”
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