By Obed Kankiriho
Patient attendants from Greater Kabale have accused some health workers at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital of corruption, selling drugs, and mistreating patients.
The allegations surfaced on Wednesday during a local radio program following the arrest of Tumuheki Nicholas, an enrolled nurse at the hospital. The Inspectorate of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, ordered the arrest on Tuesday over alleged patient neglect in the casualty department.
Reports indicate that the nurse instructed the caregiver of a severely bleeding patient referred from Kamwezi Health Centre IV to lay the patient on the floor, claiming the hospital had not been notified to prepare a bed.
Several patients shared their experiences:
Dan Tumwebaze, LCII Chairman of Nyamweru, Rubanda District, said he was forced to buy urinary catheters for his wife’s operation at night due to closed pharmacies.
Agnes Success from Rukiga District recounted being asked to purchase all necessary drugs to treat her cousin in the emergency ward.
Pius Byomuhangi from Nyakambu, Kabale Municipality, alleged that staff demanded a bribe before attending to him following an accident, despite his financial struggles.
Jovia Tugumenensi from Karweru Parish, Buhara Sub-County, said her child with a toothache was redirected to a private facility, costing her Shs20,000.
During a visit to the hospital, Acting Director Dr. Peter Kangwaje apologized for the incidents, citing intermittent drug shortages from the National Medical Stores. However, IGG Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala rejected this explanation, stating that supply challenges do not justify negligence or deliberate misconduct.
