Health workers at Kagadi General Hospital are under investigation and facing disciplinary action over allegations of widespread extortion from patients seeking services at the facility. The hospital staff is reportedly charging between Sh200,000 and Sh300,000, especially from expectant mothers seeking medical care.
Caroline Nashemeza, the Kagadi Resident District Commissioner (RDC), said her office had received several complaints accusing staff at the facility of extorting money from patients in exchange for services. She said patients who fail to raise the alleged Sh300,000 fee—particularly expectant mothers—are reportedly turned away and forced to sleep on verandas without receiving care.
She further alleged that many health workers at the facility operate private clinics where they refer patients from Kagadi Hospital and charge them higher fees.Nashemeza said her office had already compiled and submitted a list of staff accused of extortion to the Ministry of Health for appropriate disciplinary action.
Kagadi Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Pauline Epodoi confirmed that investigations into the allegations had commenced, warning that those found culpable would be interdicted immediately. She noted that the practice of demanding money from patients in government hospitals—where services are meant to be free—remains widespread and continues to undermine healthcare delivery.
Kagadi Hospital Administrator Simon Peter Tumusiime said his office was not aware of the extortion allegations but pledged to work with the RDC’s office to ensure those involved are brought to book. He urged patients not to pay any money to health workers and instead report anyone demanding payment, stressing that services at the facility are free of charge.
The Acting District Health Officer (DHO), Theodora Kajumba, said the hospital currently has only three doctors instead of the recommended eleven. She noted that this shortage has significantly affected service delivery in the district. Buyaga East Member of Parliament Stephen Twesige Rulekere raised concern over the poor state of the hospital’s staff quarters, maternity ward, equipment shortages, and understaffing, despite the facility serving a large population, including patients from neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. He appealed to the government to expand infrastructure and recruit more medical personnel.
Kagadi LCV Chairperson Elly Gard Tumusiime condemned the alleged corruption, attributing it to weak supervision and monitoring by responsible authorities. He questioned why such practices persist despite government provision of essential drugs and increased salaries for health workers.
Tumusiime pledged to work with the RDC’s office and hospital management to improve service delivery. Jane Kyosaba, a resident of Mabaale Sub-county, said patients go to the government hospital expecting free services but are instead asked for money before receiving treatment. She called for tougher action against implicated staff.Faith Kugonza, a resident of Kagadi Town Council, blamed some hospital staff for gross absenteeism, saying it has made access to healthcare even more difficult. Kagadi Hospital, established in 1968, serves thousands of patients from Kikuube, Kyenjojo, Kakumiro, Kibaale, Kyegegwa, and neighbouring areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo, placing heavy pressure on its limited resources and drug supply-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
