Kajjansi, Uganda — Hon. Godfrey Kabyanga, Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, has praised National Medical Stores (NMS) for its cutting-edge facility in Kajjansi, the largest government-owned medical warehouse in Africa. The Minister also commended NMS’s innovative use of technology to enhance transparency and efficiency in the delivery of medicines across Uganda.
Speaking during a visit by over 30 government communicators from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to the NMS headquarters on Wednesday, Hon. Kabyanga emphasized the importance of effective communication in strengthening public trust.
“This warehouse is not just a symbol of national pride but a clear testament to the Government’s commitment to strengthening the health supply chain and delivering essential services that improve the lives of our people,” he said. “When citizens know what their Government is doing for them, trust is built and the impact is multiplied.”
During the visit, communicators were introduced to the NMS Delivery Monitoring Tool (DMT), a technology platform that allows real-time tracking of medicine dispatch and delivery. The system sends SMS alerts directly to key officials, including Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Members of Parliament, Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), District Health Officers (DHOs), and District Internal Security Officers (DISOs).
NMS General Manager Moses Kamabare explained, “With GPS-enabled trucks and strategically placed cameras in our vehicles, the DMT provides full transparency from dispatch to delivery, improving accountability and building trust among stakeholders and the public.”
Kamabare further highlighted the role of preventive health communication in reducing disease burdens in Uganda. “While medicines are vital, prevention is even better. Over 75% of diseases in Uganda are preventable. As communicators, you play a critical role in empowering citizens to lead healthier lives.”
The visit also underscored the pivotal role NMS plays in ensuring the availability of essential medicines and medical supplies to over 3,400 government health facilities nationwide.
This engagement marks a strategic effort to enhance collaboration between government communicators and health agencies, amplifying the impact of government programs through timely and accurate messaging.