Health 10 September 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Parliamentary Health Committee Demands Probe into Alleged Drug Theft and Extortion at Iganga and Bugiri Hospitals
Uganda's parliamentary Health Committee has called for thorough investigations into widespread allegations of medicine theft, extortion of patients, and financial mismanagement at government hospitals in Iganga and Bugiri districts. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4611/health-committee-calls-probe-drug-theft-extortion-iganga-bugiri-hospitals
Members of the parliamentary Health Committee have instructed the Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) of Iganga and Bugiri to launch urgent probes into serious accusations of corruption at local government hospitals. This directive follows an oversight visit to health facilities in Eastern Uganda where significant irregularities were uncovered.
At Iganga General Hospital, the committee members found alarming discrepancies in the handling of medicines. Many drugs in the hospital stores lacked proper documentation, raising suspicions of theft and diversion. Furthermore, some medications reported as out of stock could not be accounted for with dispensing records, making it impossible to track their usage.
“We have asked the RDC to take charge of this irregularity as the law deems fit. We have also asked him to confiscate the medicines which have not been accounted for,” stated Hon. Hope Nakazibwe, who led the committee. The lack of clear records hinders accountability and makes it difficult to explain recurring drug shortages to the public.
During patient interactions, the committee also received disturbing reports of health workers demanding money from patients, particularly in the pharmacy. Expectant mothers allegedly faced demands for payment to receive assistance during night deliveries, a practice condemned by the committee as it could push vulnerable individuals to seek unsafe alternatives.
Similar allegations surfaced at Bugiri Hospital, where the committee heard that hospital administration collected funds from patients in the private wing but failed to remit them to the Consolidated Fund. Patients reported paying amounts exceeding the official Shs10,000 per night charge, with the hospital administrator unable to provide clear records of the collected revenue or its whereabouts.
Consequently, the Bugiri RDC has been directed to investigate the management of private wing revenue and examine claims of unofficial charges for services, including surgical procedures.