The Hoima Regional Referral Hospital has deployed Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) personnel at its entrance to address rising cases of drug theft and enhance overall security at the facility, which serves patients from all nine local governments of the Bunyoro sub-region.
Hospital Administrator Dr. Ibrahim Bwaga said the presence of the army has already led to a noticeable reduction in drug theft.
“There had been persistent claims that drugs were being stolen, sometimes even by staff, and in certain cases, consignments delivered by National Medical Stores (NMS) were being taken back,” Dr. Bwaga explained.
Under the new security measures, everyone entering or exiting the hospital, including vehicles, undergoes strict checks. The army has intercepted staff attempting to remove drugs without prescriptions and discovered NMS consignments being diverted elsewhere.
“Many initially said the UPDF was harassing them, but the results speak for themselves. Staff found taking drugs, as well as irregularities with NMS deliveries, have been addressed thanks to the army’s oversight,” Dr. Bwaga noted.
He urged patients and hospital visitors to cooperate with the army personnel. To address concerns raised by female patients about searches, the hospital plans to deploy female army officers to screen women’s bags.
The Hoima City Resident Commissioner also highlighted a recent security incident where two men were found inside the hospital with an AK-47.
“If it wasn’t for the UPDF, the outcome could have been disastrous. The suspects were detained and taken to police to explain their intentions,” he said.
Dr. Bwaga emphasized that the deployment of the UPDF is part of a broader strategy to enhance hospital security while maintaining order.
“They work closely with the hospital’s security team, bringing additional expertise and discipline,” he said.
