The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, has ordered the arrest of a medical officer at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital following an impromptu inspection that revealed severe patient neglect.
During her first regional visit since appointment, Justice Naluzze discovered multiple patients, including those in critical condition, waiting for treatment all day despite the hospital having sufficient medical supplies.
Dr Peter Nicholas Tumuheki, a medical officer at the hospital, was arrested on Tuesday evening for allegedly directing patients to purchase medicines and other items from private pharmacies instead of utilising the supplies available on-site.
The IGG expressed shock at the state of the hospital, noting that many administrators and health workers were absent from their duty stations.
At the Emergency Unit, patients remained unattended due to an alleged lack of equipment.
Upon inspecting the hospital stores herself, Justice Batala found ample medical supplies, contradicting claims that shortages were the reason patients were sent outside for medications.
“I asked for the doctor working in the emergency ward. He came and tried to explain, but his explanation was not satisfactory. I have handed him over to the police so that a statement can be recorded,” Justice Naluzze said.
The hospital director, Dr Peter Kangwaje, apologized for the lapses and promised to address the challenges, citing recurring shortages of medicines caused by inadequate government supplies.
Justice Batala continues her regional tour across the Ankole sub-region, urging strict accountability in public service delivery.