Authorities in Luuka District have arrested a clinical officer and are pursuing another health worker in connection with alleged negligence and extortion at Kiyunga Health Center IV, which led to the tragic death of a child.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Ronald Katende, along with Assistant RDC Umar Ntogona and the District Internal Security Officer (DISO), stepped in after receiving multiple complaints from patients about poor services at the health center. Among those arrested is Joel Mbwoira, a clinical officer at the facility, while his colleague, Viola Namugere, remains at large after fleeing the scene when tensions escalated.
The incident came to light when Naigaga Safiyati, a resident of Kimanto village in Bukanga Sub County, reported that Mbwoira had extorted 30,000 UGX from her to treat her son. Despite the payment, proper care was not provided, and tragically, her child died after being denied treatment. Safiyati’s accusations, along with the circumstances of the child’s death, prompted RDC Katende to take swift action, leading to Mbwoira’s arrest and detention at Luuka Central Police Station (CPS).
RDC Katende expressed grave concern over the declining standards at Kiyunga Health Center IV. “We have been receiving reports of negligence for some time, but today’s tragedy brings the severity of the problem to light,” he remarked. Katende also highlighted that patients were being forced to buy medications that were already available in the facility’s stores. Additionally, health workers reportedly refused to treat patients unless they were bribed, causing unnecessary suffering and, in this case, a preventable death.
Viola Namugere, who was present when the child was brought in for care, allegedly refused to provide assistance, contributing to the child’s death. After realizing the gravity of the situation, Namugere fled the health center and has since evaded arrest. Authorities are committed to tracking her down.
The arrest of Mbwoira and the ongoing search for Namugere have sparked outrage within the local community. The RDC confirmed that legal proceedings are being prepared against Mbwoira, who will face charges related to extortion and negligence.
In response to the tragic event, an emergency meeting has been scheduled between the district’s health management, the RDC’s office, and the police to address the situation and ensure that Kiyunga Health Center IV resumes providing proper care to its patients.
