By Aggrey Twesigye
Seven staff members of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital have been arrested by the State House Health Monitoring Unit over alleged mismanagement and diversion of public funds following an audit of the hospital’s financial operations.
The arrests follow an audit covering UGX 57.43 billion in government funds allocated to the hospital during the 2023/2024 and 2025/2026 financial years.
Those arrested include five hospital drivers Alex Byaruhanga, Francis Kayangiire, Eliasam Mutongole, Lauben Mugasiira and Edgar Mugizi — together with Principal Hospital Administrator Sarah Mulongo and radiologist David Mugisha.
According to the Executive Director of the State House Health Monitoring Unit, Dr. Wallen Namara, the drivers and hospital administrator are accused of failing to account for UGX 549 million meant for purchasing fuel for hospital vehicles and generators.
Dr. Namara alleges that fraudulent fuel vouchers were used to divert fuel, leading to losses that were not accounted for. He said the suspects are expected to face charges of failure to account and neglect of duty.
The monitoring unit also accused Principal Hospital Administrator Sarah Mulongo of failing to establish effective internal controls to protect hospital funds and property. She is expected to face charges of facilitating corruption and neglect of duty.
Radiologist David Mugisha was separately arrested over allegations of extorting money from patients and referring them to private health facilities for MRI and CT scan services for personal gain.
Dr. Namara said investigations are still ongoing and more action could be taken depending on the findings.
