Patients, local leaders and residents in Hoima have raised concerns over alleged extortion and mistreatment at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, with some calling on government to officially declare the facility private if patients must continue paying for services.
The complaints emerged during a community baraza held at Hoima Booma Grounds, organized by the State House Health Monitoring Unit in collaboration with hospital management. The meeting sought feedback from the public following a four-week investigation into allegations of drug theft, sale of hospital property and mistreatment of patients.
Residents accused some health workers of demanding money before offering services, saying patients without money are often neglected.
Nicholas Tumusime, a resident of Hoima, said the hospital had effectively become a private facility.
“We are very tired. To see a doctor you must pay, to get medicine you must pay—everything requires money. Government should just declare Hoima Referral Hospital private so people know there are no free services,” he said.
Another resident, Prossy Ayesiga, alleged that senior doctors often leave the hospital by midday, leaving interns to handle patients.
“In the morning you find doctors, but by midday they leave the work to interns. Some of the interns are rude and inexperienced, and many lives are lost in their hands. It looks like some doctors prioritize their private clinics,” she said.
Janepher Karungi also raised concerns about accessibility for persons with disabilities, saying several hospital buildings lack ramps.
“We have talked about these issues many times but no action is taken. Even the administration block and toilets have no ramps. Does the hospital consider people with disabilities?” she asked.
Residents also criticized hygiene standards at the facility. Tadeo Asaba from Biiso in Buliisa District said some latrines are old, dirty and unsuitable for patients, particularly those with disabilities.
“There is a toilet near the male ward with only two rooms and it is always dirty. People come here to heal but instead risk getting sicker,” he said.
Others complained about rude and abusive behaviour from some health workers, saying patients often face hostility when seeking treatment.
Hospital Responds
Responding to the concerns, the hospital director, Dr. Ibrahim Bwaga, acknowledged the feedback but said many of the issues raised had already been addressed in recent months.
He noted that newer facilities such as the ICU complex and oxygen plant include ramps and said management would review options to make more administrative offices accessible to persons with disabilities.
Dr. Bwaga also announced plans to require all staff to wear uniforms and visible name tags to help patients identify health workers and report misconduct.
According to him, at least 15 staff members have been disciplined since July, with some facing possible termination or revocation of their professional licences.
“We listen to complaints and we deal with them. The challenge is that some people go straight to the media or politicians instead of reporting to management first. But we have a disciplinary committee and we take action,” he said.
Dr. Oburu Ofumbi Geoffrey, a pediatrician at the hospital, emphasized that extortion is not tolerated.
“If someone asks for money, report it to administration. We are close to the police and the person can be arrested immediately,” he said.
Dr. Bwaga also encouraged patients to use the hospital’s QR code feedback system to report complaints or share suggestions.
Investigation Findings
Dr. Elijah Ssemaganda, Assistant Director at the State House Health Monitoring Unit, confirmed that several of the allegations under investigation—including drug theft, sale of hospital equipment and harassment of patients—were credible.
He said one officer is currently under investigation, while other disciplinary matters have been handled internally by the hospital’s disciplinary committee.
Dr. Ssemaganda also cited congestion as a major challenge at the facility and urged government to expedite construction of the maternal and child health complex.
He further advised the government to strengthen and equip health facilities in neighbouring districts across the Bunyoro sub-region to reduce pressure on the referral hospital.
“Many patients travel from districts like Buliisa, Masindi and Kagadi even for services available in their local facilities. Communities need to be sensitised to use nearby health centres to reduce congestion,” he said.
Call for Better Communication
Sylivia Nalumaga, the Deputy Mayor of Hoima City, urged hospital administrators to improve communication with the public.
“People often run to city leaders with complaints about the hospital. Health workers should treat patients with kindness, but patients should also be respectful to health workers,” she said.
As investigations conclude, the hospital administration has pledged tighter monitoring and disciplinary action to address misconduct and rebuild public trust in the facility.
