RDC orders probe into extortion, absenteeism at Masindi Hospital

The directive follows the recent arrest of a health worker over alleged extortion involving a woman who had suffered a miscarriage.

On August 8, 2026, police in Masindi arrested a health worker identified as Brian, who is attached to Masindi General Hospital.

He is accused of extorting money from a woman who had suffered a miscarriage and required an emergency operation.

Masindi deputy RDC, Sanon Dhala, said a man, whose identity has been withheld, reported that his wife had suffered a miscarriage and was in critical condition.

According to Dhala, when they arrived at Masindi Hospital, Brian allegedly demanded sh250,000 for the operation.

"The man paid the money, but Brian later referred the woman to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. Brian allegedly requested another sh300,000 for fuel for the government ambulance to Hoima, which the man could not afford, prompting him to report the matter to the RDC’s office," Dhala explained.

Dhala said he immediately contacted Dr Rogers Musinguzi, the Masindi Hospital medical superintendent, who expressed confusion after reviewing the file and noted that the case could have been handled at Masindi Hospital.

This prompted Dhala to direct the Masindi OC CID to investigate the matter, leading to Brian's arrest.

Dhala condemned the alleged extortion of patients by health workers at Masindi Hospital, warning that operations to curb the vice would continue at the facility.

The investigation comes amid repeated complaints from Masindi residents about alleged extortion, particularly in the theatre and maternity ward.