Mbale City Ordered to Pay Shs 10M, Reinstate Doctor

Justice Farouq Lubega of the High Court in Mbale has delivered a significant ruling against Mbale City Local Government, ordering them to reinstate Dr. Yassin Makonje to his duties at Namatala Health Centre IV. The court also awarded Dr. Makonje general damages amounting to Shs 10 million and directed the city authorities to cover the legal costs of the case.

Dr. Makonje had been interdicted in September 2025 based on allegations including demanding money from patients, poor workplace relations, and a public altercation. He was subsequently transferred to Nakaloke Health Centre III. However, Dr. Makonje contested these disciplinary actions, asserting that he was not provided with adequate details of the accusations or access to crucial investigation reports, hindering his ability to mount a proper defence.

The court found that Mbale City Local Government and the former town clerk, Abirebe Assy Tumwesigire, failed to present evidence demonstrating that Dr. Makonje received a fair hearing. Justice Lubega highlighted that the interdiction period also exceeded the three-month limit stipulated by the Public Service Standing Orders for cases not involving police or court proceedings.

Furthermore, the court ruled that the withdrawal of Dr. Makonje’s additional duties, which came with a monthly allowance of Shs 2.8 million, was unlawful. The judge noted that the town clerk lacked the constitutional authority to impose disciplinary sanctions outside the established legal framework. The court also nullified Dr. Makonje’s transfer, deeming it punitive and linked to the disciplinary proceedings.

In its final orders, the court mandated Mbale City Local Government to reinstate Dr. Makonje to his original duties and allowance, expunge all adverse remarks from his employment record, and refrain from any form of harassment or victimisation. The Shs 10 million damages and case costs are to be paid within three months.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)