By On the evening of January 4, social media in Fort Portal City, Kabarole District, erupted with news of the death of renowned Tooro artist, Moses Kigambo Araali. Known for his wheelchair performances with songs that carried cultural and political themes, the 47-year-old father of five passed away at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital under circumstances that have sparked outrage and exposed the grim realities of healthcare at the facility.
Kigambo had been admitted earlier that day with intestinal obstruction, requiring urgent surgery. However, the operation never happened. His caregivers alleged that the hospital staff cited unclean surgical equipment as the reason for the delay, leaving him in excruciating pain until his death. Pastor Ronald Musinguzi, a close family friend, recounted how he found Kigambo crying in agony while doctors sat idly, claiming the theater equipment was unwashed.
In a video posted on TikTok, Musinguzi highlighted the negligence that led to Kigambo’s demise, igniting widespread criticism of the hospital. Although hospital authorities, led by Dr. Lauben Amagara Kyomukama, denied negligence and claimed Kigambo was too unstable for surgery, the community remains unconvinced. The incident has exposed deep-seated issues of poor management, corruption, and neglect at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital.
A Pattern of Neglect and Extortion
Kigambo’s case is not isolated. Numerous complaints of negligence, extortion, and mismanagement have surfaced. For example, Abdulhadi Abudalla, chairperson of the Mugunu-Kisenyi Muslim community, lost his son, Sharif, in November 2023 due to delayed surgery. Despite paying for medications, the absence of a doctor caused critical delays, and his son died on the operating table.
Similarly, Margaret Sanyu, a resident of Fort Portal City, recounted how she was extorted by hospital staff after breaking her arm. Despite paying Shs100,000 for treatment, her fracture failed to heal, leaving her disabled and dependent on her husband.
These incidents reveal a culture of extortion and corruption where patients are forced to pay bribes for services that should be free. Worse still, the hospital’s equipment is reportedly used by doctors for private clinics, leaving patients in the hospital without care.
Calls for Accountability
In response to these alarming cases, a group of concerned citizens under the “Save Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital” campaign petitioned Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health. The petition accused hospital director Dr. Alex Adaku of absenteeism, corruption, and incompetence, calling for his immediate transfer. The group also highlighted issues such as a lack of specialists, a non-functional ICU, and the misuse of government-supplied drugs in private clinics.
During a public dialogue on January 10, Dr. Atwine admitted to the challenges, including absenteeism, negligence, and gross extortion. She announced immediate transfers of long-serving staff and pledged to introduce Quick Response (QR) codes for patients to lodge complaints. Additionally, she emphasized the need for a systemic overhaul, including amending disciplinary procedures to address misconduct effectively.
Leadership and Local Government Failures
The city’s leaders have also distanced themselves from the hospital’s mismanagement, citing a lack of representation on the hospital’s management board. Mayor Edison Asaba Ruyonga highlighted frequent complaints of equipment failure, which mysteriously becomes functional after bribes are paid. State Minister for Primary Health Care, Margaret Muhanga, added her voice to the criticism, recounting her own experience of extortion at the facility.
The Need for Urgent Reform
Serving a catchment area of over three million people across nine districts, Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital is a critical healthcare provider. Yet, its inability to deliver even basic care underscores the urgent need for reform. Key recommendations include recruiting and deploying specialists, upgrading medical equipment, and addressing corruption and absenteeism.
The tragic death of Moses Kigambo has become a rallying point for change, exposing the rot at the heart of Uganda’s regional healthcare system. The call for accountability, transparency, and improved service delivery is louder than ever.
