By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
National
The Auditor General has recently made a shocking revelation regarding the storage of COVID-19 vaccines in Uganda. According to their report, a staggering 5,619,120 doses of COVID-19 vaccines, valued at Shs28.159Bn, have expired in the stores of the National Medical Stores. These vaccines were purchased through a loan from the World Bank, adding to the already mounting financial loss.
It has been discovered that out of the 12,595,920 doses of COVID-19 vaccines held in storage, more than 40% have expired. The value of these expired vaccines is a significant blow to the nation, especially considering the dire need for immunization amidst the ongoing pandemic. This revelation not only exposes the mismanagement of vital medical supplies but also points to a concerning lack of urgency in distributing and utilizing the vaccines.
This unfortunate situation extends beyond the National Medical Stores, as further expired vaccines are believed to be present in various health facilities across the country. The total projected loss next year is estimated to be a staggering Shs300Bn. These vaccines were procured using funds from the World Bank, which were specifically intended to provide COVID-19 support.
In light of these findings, the Auditor General, John F.S Muwanga, submitted his annual Audit Report for the Year Ended 30th June, 2023, to the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anitah Among. The Speaker expressed gratitude for the Auditor General’s consistent and timely delivery of their statutory obligations.
Moreover, the Speaker pledged to ensure that the Office of the Auditor General receives adequate support and resources to continue their commendable work in uncovering such discrepancies. It is crucial for the government to address these issues swiftly and effectively to rectify the mismanagement and prevent any further financial losses.
In addition to the expired vaccines, the Auditor General also recommended the recovery of Shs53Bn from 10,192 individuals classified as ‘ghost workers.’ These individuals were found to have either passed away, retired, or abandoned their duties during the verification exercise conducted in February 2023. The Office of the Auditor General carried out a special audit of the salary payroll throughout the government, covering 367 entities, including 162 MDAs, 179 Local Governments, and 29 other government organizations.
The revelations made by the Auditor General’s report highlight the urgent need for better supervision, accountability, and efficient utilization of funds and resources within the healthcare system. Efforts must be made to ensure that vaccines are promptly administered, preventing wastage and the risk of not providing sufficient protection to the population.
It is hoped that the government will take swift action to rectify these errors, recover the lost funds, and implement robust systems to ensure the efficient distribution and utilization of COVID-19 vaccines. With the ongoing fight against the pandemic, every effort must be made to avoid any further setbacks and to protect the health and well-being of the nation.
