One Arrested as Lango Hospitals Face Rising Wave of Thefts

Government hospitals across the Lango sub-region are grappling with a rising wave of thefts targeting patients and their attendants. Authorities in Apac have apprehended one suspect following numerous complaints of missing property at Apac General Hospital, according to police reports.

North Kyoga police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema reported that suspicion initially fell on a woman seen wandering around the hospital wards without a clear purpose before suddenly disappearing. With the assistance of a local boda boda rider, authorities tracked the suspect to her residence.

The suspect has been identified as 32-year-old Stella Ayugi, a resident of Teitek Village in Apac District. Following her arrest, Ayugi led police to her grass-thatched house, where officers recovered six stolen bags containing various items, including children’s and adults’ clothing, shoes, a mat, and a tea flask.

Investigators revealed that the suspect allegedly capitalized on the morning general cleaning hours at the hospital, when patients and attendants move their belongings onto the verandas. While two complainants reported missing substantial sums of money totaling Shs700,000, those funds have not yet been recovered, though the bags and other personal effects were secured.

Meanwhile, similar incidents have been reported at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, where attendants like Sidonia Okwir have lost new clothes and personal items while caring for sick relatives. Local security teams and police have urged hospital attendants to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious individuals.

Police are currently compiling case files to submit to the Resident State Attorney for legal guidance and formal theft charges against the suspect. Read the full story on Daily Monitor.