At National Medical Stores (NMS), distribution is the heartbeat of our operations. We manage and deliver a wide range of essential medicines and health supplies to over 3,200 public health facilities across Uganda — reliably, securely, and on schedule.
Our distribution system is designed to ensure that every Ugandan, regardless of location, has access to quality medical commodities when and where they are needed most.
Nationwide Reach
NMS serves all districts of Uganda through a central warehouse in Kajjansi and 8 regional distribution centers. We operate on a bimonthly delivery cycle, enabling predictable and efficient delivery to:
- National and regional referral hospitals
- Health Centre IVs, IIIs, and IIs
- District health offices and emergency response centers
Our delivery fleet is GPS-tracked and managed through an integrated logistics system that ensures real-time visibility and accountability.
Our Distribution Fleet The NMS distribution fleet is built to handle Uganda’s diverse geography and ensure timely deliveries to all public health facilities:
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55 Distribution Trucks – Purpose-built vehicles designed for bulk deliveries of medicines and health supplies to districts and health facilities.
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20 Vaccine Last-Mile Delivery Vehicles – Specially equipped to maintain cold chain integrity during transportation of temperature-sensitive vaccines and biological products.
Key Features & Capabilities:
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GPS tracking for route optimization and accountability
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Temperature monitoring systems for cold chain vehicles
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Compliance with environmental standards to reduce fuel emissions
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Regular preventive maintenance to ensure fleet reliability
Cold Chain Compliance
Our cold chain vehicles are certified to transport vaccines and temperature-sensitive medicines under Good Distribution Practices (GDP). They feature:
- Dual temperature compartments (for varied commodities)
- Backup power and alert systems
- Regular validation and calibration checks
- Ultra-cold boxes for critical vaccine delivery
Technology-Enabled Logistics
To ensure security, efficiency, and accountability, the NMS fleet is equipped with:
- GPS Tracking Systems — Real-time route and location monitoring
- SmartCare Integration — Links delivery data with inventory systems
- Onboard Temperature Monitoring — Continuous logging for cold chain cargo
- Fleet Management Software — Supports route optimization, maintenance scheduling, and driver logs
Last Mile Delivery (LMD)
The Last Mile Delivery (LMD) model is a critical component of our distribution strategy. NMS delivers directly to health facilities — not just to district hubs — ensuring:
- Reduced stock-outs
- Minimized delays
- Improved supply chain visibility at facility level
- Better coordination with district and facility in-charges
LMD has significantly improved patient access to medicines, especially in hard-to-reach and rural areas.
Security & Quality Assurance
NMS applies strict controls at every stage of the distribution process:
- Sealed, traceable consignments
- Verified facility-level handovers with documentation
- Trained logistics staff and drivers
- Integrated quality control checks and incident reporting
Our Commitment:
Greener, Safer, Smarter Logistics
At NMS, we understand that logistics is not just about movement — it’s about responsibility. Our fleet operations are guided by a strong commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles:
Environmental
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Fleet renewal strategy: We are replacing older high-emission vehicles with more fuel-efficient, lower-emission models.
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Route optimization: Reduces unnecessary mileage and fuel consumption, significantly lowering our carbon footprint.
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Cold chain energy efficiency: Refrigerated units use smart insulation and energy-saving cooling systems.
Social
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Driver training programs: Emphasize safe driving, patient-first delivery, and customer service at health facilities.
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Equity in service: Fleet planning prioritizes equitable delivery to rural and underserved communities.
Governance
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Digital fleet monitoring: All trips are logged, tracked, and analyzed to ensure compliance, safety, and transparency.
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Zero-tolerance policy: Strict adherence to national transport and public health logistics standards.