Soroti hospital staff, two others arrested over gas cylinder theft
Three individuals, including a staff member from Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, have been arrested for allegedly stealing a 20-liter oxygen gas cylinder, essential for patient care at the facility.
The suspects, identified as Aaron Engwaru, the hospital’s plant manager, and two local residents, Jonathan Emesu and Stephen Esiau, were caught attempting to transport the cylinder on a bicycle along the Soroti-Moroto Road.
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The theft came to light after a routine audit revealed a missing oxygen cylinder from the hospital’s inventory.
The principal hospital administrator, Benzy Omoya, reported that this discovery prompted an immediate police investigation, leading to the arrests.
Engwaru, responsible for overseeing the hospital's oxygen supply, is now under investigation alongside Emesu and Esiau.
The East Kyoga police spokesperson, Edison Obukulem, confirmed the arrests.
“The suspects are currently in custody and assisting with investigations. They are likely to face charges of theft," he said.
Hospital sources emphasized the critical role of the stolen oxygen cylinder in providing care, especially in life-threatening situations.
The hospital’s director, Ben Watmon, condemned the theft, stressing the importance of safeguarding medical supplies.
He revealed that police patrols had noticed suspicious activity during the night, leading to a brief chase before the suspects were apprehended.
“I have reassigned the management of the hospital’s oxygen plant to Jorem Okiria to maintain a steady supply of oxygen and avoid further disruptions in patient care,” Omoya remarked, adding that the hospital's supply of 450 oxygen cylinders remains intact.
The incident has raised concerns over security at the facility, prompting a review of the hospital’s protocols to prevent future occurrences.
