JMS optimistic about steady medical supplies despite US policy shifts

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The Joint Medical Store (JMS) has expressed confidence in maintaining a steady flow of essential medicines and medical equipment despite potential global disruptions following a series of executive orders signed by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at overhauling America’s pharmaceutical supply chain.

“Even when Trump cut funds, JMS is hopeful that services will be delivered on time,” said Miriam Ahumuza, the communications officer of JMS.

She made the remarks on the sidelines of a closed meeting between JMS executive director Dr Bildard Baguma and Dr Bernard Michael Etukoit, the executive director of The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) Uganda Limited, at Mulago National Referral Hospital on Thursday.

Ahumuza said they are still assessing the situation, even though uncertainty prevails. She explained that all JMS centres supplying medical equipment remain open, proof that the organisation continues to provide critical services.

“Yes, we feel the pinch, but what we have done is reduce funds that were directed to capacity building, channelling them to stocking more drugs,” she said.

Dr Etukoit noted that TASO is currently supplying medical drugs to 11 centres countrywide. Although concerns have been raised that this number is insufficient to meet national demand, he explained that each centre serves five to six surrounding districts to ease access to critical medicines.

Bildard Baguma (right), the Executive Director of Joint Medical Store (JMS) handing over award to Etukoit Bernard Michael (left), the Executive Director The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) celebrating partnership honoring impact appreciates during Joint Medical Store meeting The AIDS Support Organistion at The AIDS Support Organisation Mulago on September 4, 2025.

He added that TASO is working closely with local leaders and community-based organisations to identify the most vulnerable people in need of services.

Founded in 1979 by the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau and the Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau, JMS is a non-profit organisation responsible for procuring, storing, and distributing medical supplies to private, non-profit health facilities across Uganda. 

With its main warehouse in Nsambya, Kampala, and regional hubs in Mbarara and Arua, JMS has established itself as one of the country’s most reliable suppliers. It has also expanded into limited local manufacturing of medical oxygen and nutritional supplements.

President Trump’s executive orders focus on stockpiling Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), boosting domestic drug production, and enforcing “Most-Favoured-Nation” pricing to reduce U.S. medicine costs. 

Experts have warned that these policies could disrupt global supply chains and increase prices, but JMS insists its diversified supplier network and growing local production capacity will mitigate the risks, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines across Uganda’s private health sector.