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KAMPALA - A medical superintendent at Abim Hospital in Abim district has been charged with corruption.

Dr Edson Atwine was charged with one count of corruption contrary to sections 2(1) and 26 of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2009 as amended.

Atwine was on April 17, 2024, charged at the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala before Chief Magistrate Joan Aciro.

It is alleged that Atwine in 2018 at Abim Hospital, while employed by Abim district local government as a medical officer in charge of the hospital, neglected his duty.

The prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Gloria Inzikuru at the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), alleges that while entrusted with the duty of conducting surgical operations on patients, Atwine irregularly absented himself from work.

The state further alleges that due to the neglect of duty by Atwine, an expectant mother, Jenifer Awor, who required an emergency operation, died. He denied the charge.

Inzikuru informed the court that inquiries into the matter have been completed and requested another date for mentioning the case. Additionally, she sought to disclose the evidence that the prosecution will rely on during the trial to the defence.

Atwine was remanded to prison until April 19, 2024, when he is expected to appear in court to apply for bail.

What the law says

Under section 2(I) of the Anti-Corruption Act, a person convicted of the offence is liable to 10 years in jail or a fine not exceeding shillings six million.