HOIMA CITY, 9th October 2026 – The Minister for Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, today visited Hoima Regional Referral Hospital where he uncovered gross mismanagement, extortion and neglect of patients.
During the impromptu inspection, it was established that nurses hide away from patients whenever they are brought for treatment, leaving caretakers stranded.
It was further established that the hospital scan is not serving its purpose because patients are charged money to use it, yet it is government property meant to offer free services.
There is rampant soliciting of money from caretakers so that their patients can be worked on faster.
On a positive note, the 19 Billion Emergency and Accidents Section project being constructed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade is progressing well and work is being done to standard.
However, it was also established that when the hospital administration and management learnt that the Minister was in the city, they all fled, leaving the premises under no supervision.
The toilets at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital were found to be in a sorry state.
Hon. Balaam said immediate action will be taken against the responsible officers and promised to follow up to ensure health services are restored for the ordinary people.
