Fort Portal Citizens Demand Action on Hospital Crisis in Public Dialogue
By: Betty Mujungu
Today concerned citizens from Fort Portal, under the “Save Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital” campaign, presented a petition to Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the State Minister for Primary Health Care Hon. Margret Muhanga and several health commissioners who gathered to listen to the concerns of the residents in the region at a public dialogue held at booma grounds in fort portal city.
The public dialogue was held in response to the media calls made to the Ministry about the deteriorating healthcare services at the Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, following the death of 47 years old Moses Kigambo Araali, a renowned artist from the Tooro sub-region, who passed away at the Hospital on 4th January 2025.
Some of the concerned citizens from Fort Portal City presenting their petition to the permanent secretary ministry of health on 10th January 2025 at Booma playgrounds in Fort Portal City.
The petition criticized the hospital’s management, specifically the absenteeism of the hospital director, Dr. Alex Adaku, and the lack of internal controls. It cited issues such as staff absenteeism, extortion, corruption, and even reports of doctors working while intoxicated.
Joseph mashuhuko, one of the lead petitioners, expressed frustration over the shortage of doctors. “Some doctors are on study leave, while others disappear but still draw government salaries. Interns with no supervision are left to handle patients, leading to preventable deaths,” he said.
The petition also raised concerns about non-functional equipment, including the ICU, which had remained idle since the COVID-19 pandemic. The petitioners called for the recruitment of specialists, such as ENT doctors, radiologists, anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons, and orthopedic specialists.
Many people from the Tooro and Rwenzori sub-regions came forward with stories of negligence at the facility, leading to avoidable deaths.
Pastor Ronald Musinguzi, a close friend to the late Moses Kigambo, said that he received a distressing call around 5 p.m. from one of Kigambo’s sons, informing him that his condition had deteriorated.
When Pastor Musinguzi arrived at the hospital, he found Kigambo in severe pain from stomach complications. Desperately seeking help, Musinguzi approached the doctors and was told that the delay in surgery was due to the theatre equipment not being cleaned. “I searched for doctors and found some. When I asked why the operation had not been conducted, they claimed the theatre equipment had not been cleaned,” Musinguzi recounted.
Abdulhadi Abudalla, known as Aladi, shared his tragic experience. His son, Sharif, was involved in a road accident in November 2023 and was taken to Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital. Despite being told that Sharif needed surgery, Aladi was given a checklist of drugs to purchase. When he returned with the necessary drugs, the doctor was unavailable. After multiple attempts to get help, Sharif passed away around 3 p.m.
Another resident, Ms. Sanyu Margaret, recounted her ordeal in 2023. She had fractured her arm and was referred to the hospital, where a doctor demanded Shs 100,000 before treating her. Though she paid, the doctor requested another Shs 100,000 for a follow-up visit. Unable to afford the second payment, her arm remains disabled.
Ms. Margaret Muhanga, the State Minister for Primary Health Care and MP for Fort Portal north acknowledged the hospital’s ongoing issues and encouraged patients to document incidents of extortion and misconduct. “Take pictures of health workers who demand bribes and report them to the police. Bribery is a criminal offense,” she said.
The Mayor of Fort Portal City, Mr. Asaba Edson Ruyonga, echoed these sentiments, lamenting the hospital’s inability to provide quality services. “The hospital’s ability to provide quality services has been severely compromised. I am hopeful that the dialogue with the Ministry of Health will mark a turning point,” he said.
‘‘The tragic death of Moses Kigambo is not just a personal loss; it highlights the urgent need for reforms to address the poor health service delivery at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital and ensure that no more lives are lost due to negligence and mismanagement. Asaba noted.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine speaking during public dialogue at Booma playground in Fort Portal City on 10th January 2025.
Dr. Diana Atwine apologized on behalf of the government and the hospital for the death of Moses Kigambo. She announced the transfer of several staff members to improve service delivery and urged the public to report cases of misconduct. “We have medical and nurses councils to address such complaints. Pastor Musinguzi, who recorded the viral video, should file a formal complaint to ensure accountability,” she said.
Dr. Atwine also warned against political interference in staff transfers, stating that decisions had already been made to transfer certain staff members, particularly those who had served for over five years.
Kabasinguzi dorreen a resident of karago said the meeting provided the much needed transparency and hope for change. ‘‘Am happy our leaders came out transparently and clear that our health is a priority, this gives us hope the region’s healthcare services could be restored to a level that truly puts the people first’’ She noted.