By Aggrey Twesigye
The Inspector of Government (IGG), Justice Aisha Naluzze, on Wednesday conducted an impromptu visit to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, uncovering multiple challenges affecting service delivery.
Among the issues identified were a non-functional CT scan machine that has been idle since June 2025, a digital X-ray unit with expired films, severe patient congestion with some sleeping in tents or admitted under beds, and reports of patients being charged between Shs200,000 and Shs750,000 for MRI, CT scan, and X-ray services without receiving timely treatment.
Savior Kakooza, Director of Ombudsman Affairs in the IGG’s office, highlighted additional problems including understaffing, inadequate drug storage, delayed staff validation (last done in 2024), and the risk of ghost workers.
Acting Hospital Director, Dr. Deus Twesigye, acknowledged the failures, promising to make the machines operational and to investigate staff accused of soliciting money from patients. He explained that the hospital, originally built with a 240-bed capacity in 1930, now accommodates 545 beds, admitting between 500 and 600 patients weekly.
Dr. Twesigye has been tasked to meet the IGG’s team next week to address further issues not disclosed publicly.
Justice Naluzze also toured her regional office and local government units, holding meetings with Mbarara District officials led by Deputy RDC Michael Muhoozi and CAO David Muhwezi, as well as political representatives. During the visit, she was shown half an acre of land in Kamukuzi, Mbarara City North Division, allocated by the district council for constructing the IGG regional office.
City Mayor Robert Kakyebezi emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration between the IGG and city authorities, while Deputy RCC Gerald Tukamuhabwa commended the IGG for the courtesy visit and sought further guidance in anti-corruption efforts.
