Job Namanya | Tayari News
KABALE – The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, on Tuesday, 10th February, launched her nationwide inspection tour with a firm warning against corruption, negligence, and abuse of office in public institutions, beginning with a dramatic intervention at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital that led to the arrest of a health worker over alleged professional misconduct.
In the afternoon, Nicholas Tumuheki, a nursing assistant attached to the Emergency Ward at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, was arrested following accusations of negligence and ordering patients to purchase drugs and other medical necessities from a nearby private pharmacy, despite the supplies allegedly being available within the hospital.
The arrest occurred during Lady Justice Batala’s first official visit to Kabale since assuming office as IGG. What was initially planned as a routine inspection quickly turned into a revealing exposure of systemic failures at one of the region’s most critical health facilities.
During the visit, the IGG expressed shock that several hospital administrators and medical personnel were absent from their workstations during official working hours. The situation was particularly alarming in the Emergency Unit, where critically ill patients were found unattended, raising serious concerns about patient safety and professional ethics.
“I was deeply disturbed by what I found here. Public servants must understand that negligence in service delivery, especially in the health sector, can cost lives,” Justice Batala said, describing scenes of patients lying helplessly without medical attention.
One of the most disturbing testimonies came from Abias Ndyabaje, a caretaker from Kamwezi Sub-county, who recounted how his injured brother was left unattended despite being in critical condition. According to Ndyabaje, the patient was instructed to purchase medication from a nearby private pharmacy instead of receiving immediate medical care.
“My brother was bleeding and in pain, but no one attended to him. We were told to first go and buy drugs from outside, yet this is a government hospital,” Ndyabaje said.
Following the testimony, the IGG-led team moved to the hospital pharmacy, where they found medical supplies lying idle, even as patients were reportedly being referred elsewhere to obtain medicines and medical equipment. The discovery raised further suspicion of deliberate malpractice and possible collusion between health workers and private pharmacies.
Tumuheki, who was identified as one of the medical staff working in the Emergency Ward at the time, was summoned to explain the circumstances surrounding the allegations. However, according to IGG officials, his explanation failed to convincingly justify the actions observed during the inspection.
As a result, he was taken into police custody to record a statement, pending further investigations. Justice Batala condemned the conduct, stating that such practices undermine public trust in government institutions and violate the ethical standards expected of health workers.
The Acting Director of Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, Dr Peter Kangwaje, issued a public apology on behalf of the hospital administration for what he described as inappropriate handling of patients. Dr Kangwaje acknowledged the shortcomings exposed by the IGG’s visit and pledged to institute corrective measures to improve service delivery.
“We sincerely apologise to the public for the gaps that were identified. We are committed to improving supervision, accountability, and patient care at this facility,” Dr Kangwaje said.
However, Dr. Kangwaje also pointed to systemic challenges affecting the hospital, particularly chronic drug shortages, which he attributed to poor and inconsistent supply from the National Medical Stores (NMS).
“The hospital has been greatly affected by delays and shortages from National Medical Stores. This affects our ability to deliver timely and adequate services, though it does not excuse negligence or misconduct by staff,” he explained.
Justice Batala was quick to clarify that logistical challenges cannot justify corruption or abuse of office. She emphasised that public servants are expected to act with integrity regardless of constraints and warned that her office would take decisive action against any individuals found culpable.
The arrest at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital set the tone for Lady Justice Batala’s broader message during the launch of her nationwide inspection tour in the Kigezi sub-region. Speaking to political and technical leaders from Kabale District and Kabale Municipality, the IGG raised alarm over a growing number of corruption-related complaints, particularly within district service commissions.
According to Justice Batala, her office has registered a significant rise in cases involving bribery, abuse of office, and forgery of academic documents during recruitment processes at the district level.
“Since I assumed office, we have received many complaints relating to district service commissions. These include allegations of forged academic documents, bribery, and manipulation of recruitment processes to favour certain individuals,” she said.
She described the trend as a serious threat to professionalism in public service, warning that unqualified individuals recruited through corrupt means compromise service delivery across sectors, including health, education, and local administration.
Justice Batala stressed that the Inspectorate of Government will intensify investigations into district service commissions and hold accountable both public officials and beneficiaries of corrupt practices.
“The law will take its course. No one is above accountability, whether they are recruiters or applicants who engage in fraud to secure public jobs,” she said.
The IGG also used the platform to call upon citizens to actively participate in the fight against corruption, emphasising that the Inspectorate alone cannot eliminate the vice without public support.
“I want to urge all citizens to actively participate in combating corruption. Report wrongdoing, protect whistleblowers, and demand accountability. This fight requires collective responsibility,” Justice Batala said.
Kabale District Chairperson Nelson Nshangabaijasha welcomed the IGG’s visit and underscored the importance of continued collaboration between the Inspectorate and district service commissions to strengthen transparency and integrity in public service recruitment.
“We need sustained engagement with the IGG’s office to address these challenges. District service commissions play a critical role, and their credibility must be protected.” Nshangabaijasha said.
However, concerns were also raised about accessibility and protection for whistleblowers. Robert Kakuru, an executive director of a civil society organisation, noted that many citizens face difficulties accessing information from the IGG’s office and are often reluctant to testify due to fear of reprisals.
“Many whistleblowers are afraid, they fear losing their jobs or being targeted. There is a need to strengthen protection mechanisms and improve access to information,” Kakuru said
Justice Batala acknowledged the concerns and reiterated her commitment to strengthening whistleblower protection and improving responsiveness within her office. She assured stakeholders that the IGG remains open to constructive criticism and reform.
The inspection tour is expected to continue in the western region, with Justice Batala scheduled to travel to Mbarara before proceeding to other parts of the country.