Medical superintendent denies negligence in Abim patient death case

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A medical superintendent at Abim Regional Hospital has begun his defence, denying allegations that he neglected his duty, leading to the death of a patient.

While appearing before court, the superintendent rejected the claims and maintained that he was not responsible for the incident that led to the death of Jenifer Awor.

Dr Edison Atwine is facing one charge of corruption contrary to section 2(1) and 26 of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2009 as amended.

The prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Gloria Inzikuru from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), alleges that on September 14 and 15, 2018, at Abim Hospital in Abim district, while employed by the Abim District Local Government as the medical officer in charge, Atwine neglected his duty by failing to perform a surgical operation on a patient due to irregular absence from work.

Prosecution contends that his absence resulted in the death of Awor, an expectant mother who required an emergency operation at the time.

On March 23, 2026, guided by his lawyer, Enock Ozima, the accused told court that at the time of the alleged incident, he was away in Mbale pursuing further studies.

Atwine explained that during his absence, other qualified doctors were on duty and responsible for attending to patients.

“As a medical professional, he is guided by the oath to protect and preserve human life at all times,” Atwine.

Atwine further told the court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Peter Lochomin, that he had no intention whatsoever of letting any patient die due to deliberate absenteeism from work.

He said that while working at the hospital, he was also pursuing studies in Mbale, where he would attend classes throughout the weekend and return to the hospital on Sunday evenings.

He added that during his absence, other doctors were on duty to attend to patients.

Atwine stated that whenever he attended to patients, he took all the necessary steps to ensure they received proper treatment.

To bolster his defence, his lawyer, Ozima, informed the court that he would produce six more defence witnesses to support the case. The court granted the request and allowed the defence to summon Simon Peter Akiteng, the former chief administrative officer of Abim district; investigating officer Gilbert Itumwa; Batte Ssali, a commissioner at the Ministry of Health; and pathologist Anatoli Mawanda.

The case has been adjourned to May 8, 2026, for further hearing.