Kampala — THE shortage of contraceptives essential to family planning is responsible for their poor use, a senior official in the health ministry has said.

Dr. Anthony Mbonye, the commissioner for community health, said because of the poor the supply chain, the drugs usually do not reach the end user.

While the medical stores was mandated to deliver drugs to districts, Mbonye noted, in turn, the districts and county administrations also in turn have to deliver the drugs to the communities.

He said: "We have a high unmet need because of stock outs. Also, the supplies are available in National Medical Stores but they do not reach the end user," Mbonye said.

He was speaking during a district leaders' meeting on family planning at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Thursday.

The meeting, organised by Population Secretariat, attracted leaders from over 40 districts, MPs and donor partners.

In their reactions, the district leaders raised concerns that local governments lacked resources to conduct community outreaches on family planning issues.

George William Bizibu, the Kibale district vice-chairperson, complained that on a number of occasions, the medical stores delivers drugs to rural districts at night. He said some of the drug deliveries included empty boxes and drugs that are near expiry.

Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Kinkizi East MP said while it was true that funding to local governments was inadequate, districts should work within their limited budgets.