By KT Reporter
Dr. Pope Paul Okwera, a medical doctor at Kitgum General Hospital, has been arrested for allegedly conducting surgery in his home, a gross violation of medical ethics and the law.
The State House Health Monitoring Unit swooped in on Dr Okwera’s residence in Gandyang Cell, Kitgum Municipality, following a tip-off that he was using his home as an ungazetted health facility.
Dr Ataro Ayella, Assistant Director of the State House Health Monitoring Unit, revealed that Dr Okwera was not only performing surgeries at home but also diverting patients from the hospital to his facility, where they were allegedly subjected to extortion.
“Upon visiting the scene, we found the place was totally unhygienic for an operation or surgery to take place. The room was dirty and not even sterilised,” Dr Ayella said, adding that they have allegations that patients who come to see him in the hospital are diverted and seen from his facility and money is extorted. He cited a case where Shs 150,000 was involved.
Dr. Ayella also stated that they are yet to establish other complaints which have been sent to them, and Dr. Okwera has multiple charges against him, including extortion, professional negligence, operating illegally without a license, and falsification of information from Kitgum General Hospital.
One of Dr. Okwera’s patients, Rev. Michael Kibwota’s wife, underwent surgery for hernia at the doctor’s home on February 17th, 2026. However, she started feeling unwell two hours later and was referred to Yotkom Medical Centre and later Kitgum General Hospital, where a second operation was performed.
She is currently admitted to Lira Regional Referral Hospital in critical condition. Rev. Kibwota recounted the ordeal, saying Dr. Okwera operated on his wife, and after complications, they were referred to multiple hospitals for further treatment.
Arwai Christopher Obol, Kitgum District Chairperson, expressed shock at the incident, saying, “As the political head of the district, we will follow this matter up to the end because such acts put the life of the community at risk. I wonder why a qualified doctor can perform such an act, yet he knows the ethical code of conduct for medical workers.”
Dr Henry Okello Otto, Kitgum District Health Officer, said, “We were unaware of the existence of that facility,” adding that it had ceased operations in 2017, where it was closed.”
Dr Geoffrey Okello, Medical Superintendent of Kitgum General Hospital, said he did not have prior knowledge of the place being operated as a clinic, but was also surprised when he was informed about it. “When I got there, I found the place was really not conducive for surgical procedures” he noted. “I promise all that is expected from the Kitgum General Hospital to aid the investigation, we are going to work with the team and make sure that the matter is addressed.”
Peter Oyesigye, Kitgum District Police, confirmed the arrest, saying he is currently at Kitgum Central Police Station as the investigation is ongoing while waiting for more guidance on the file.
In March 2025, the government announced a ban on civil servants in the education and health sectors from owning and operating private schools and health facilities; this became effective July 1, 2025.
This was aimed at eliminating conflict of interest that has undermined service delivery in public institutions, and also ensuring that civil servants focus on their core responsibilities, improving service delivery in public schools and hospitals. Many senior education and medical officers have been managing private schools, clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals, often prioritising their private enterprises over official duties.
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