A financial accountability probe at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital has led to the arrest of seven employees over allegations of mismanagement of public funds, failure to account for resources, and misconduct involving patient services.
The arrests were made by the State House Health Monitoring Unit (SHMU) following an audit into the utilisation of UGX 57.43 billion allocated to the hospital during the 2023/2024 and 2025/2026 financial years.
Those detained include five hospital drivers “Alex Byaruhanga, Francis Kayangiire, Eliasam Mutongole, Lauben Mugasiira, and Edgar Mugizi” together with Principal Hospital Administrator Sarah Mulongo and radiologist Dr. David Mugisha.
According to SHMU Executive Director Dr. Wallen Namara, investigations found that the drivers and the administrator could not account for UGX 549 million meant for fuel purchases for hospital vehicles and generators.
Dr. Namara alleged that some fuel vouchers were fraudulently processed, resulting in the diversion of fuel and losses to the hospital that remain unexplained.
The suspects are expected to answer charges related to failure to account for public funds and neglect of duty.
The hospital administrator, Sarah Mulongo, is also accused of failing to establish strong internal control systems to protect hospital finances and assets. She is expected to face allegations of facilitating corruption and neglect of duty.
In a separate matter, radiologist Dr. David Mugisha was arrested over claims that he demanded money from patients and allegedly referred them to private facilities for MRI and CT scan services for personal benefit.
Dr. Namara said the investigations into the hospital’s operations are still ongoing, adding that more arrests and actions may follow depending on the findings.
The probe is part of a wider government effort to improve accountability, reduce corruption, and strengthen service delivery in public health facilities.
