Man arrested for posing as a doctor

By Reginah Nalunga

CRIME  IMPERSONATION

The Police in Kawempe have arrested Ashraf Agaba a 23-year-old man who has allegedly been posing as a doctor at Kawempe National Referral Hospital.

Agaba was nabbed by one of the staff from the children's ward. He was found examining children in an unprofessional manner.

The staff after being suspicious, he informed the hospital security personnel. On a glance at him, the head of security at the hospital Joshua Mbaho recognised him as the very suspect they have been hunting for. 

Agaba being interrogated by security personnel at the hospital. (Photo by Reginah Nalunga)

 
According to the hospital's Senior Principal administrative officer Grace Rubaale "It is shy of relief because we have been tracking him for some time now."

Rubaale added "We have been receiving several complains of extortion from patients. Last week, a patient-reported to us that one of our staff had extorted sh200,000  from them. We are not sure who did it but it could be such people who impersonate our staff."

She said in a bid to curb impersonation at the hospital, they tightened operational guidelines adding that every staff was ordered to put on medical coats with names clearly seen.

Senior Principal administrative officer Grace Rubaale revealed that Agaba has been sneaking into the hospital at night wearing a clinical coat. (Photo by Reginah Nalunga)

 
Rubaale revealed that Agaba has been sneaking into the hospital at night wearing a clinical coat.

"I appeal to the entire public to report to the hospital administration if any medical personnel asks for money from you in order to render medical assistance. 

Such people tarnish our profession. This is a government facility and service delivery is our core value. Those who ask for money from patients are not part of us," disgusted Rubaale clarified.

Kawempe National Referral Hospital where Agaba was nabbed. (Photo by Reginah Nalunga)

 
Suspect speaks

Agaba who looked nervous said he was a resident of Masanafu Rubaga Division and a second-year student at Mulago medical school pursuing a medical course. 

"I came to the hospital to visit my friend who works in the theatre," he said.

Upon searching his bag, police officers found a letter of termination from Mbogo Grammar Primary School in Kawempe. One of the reasons why his contract with the school was terminated was lack of qualification as a teacher.

                     Agaba after he was arrested at the hospital. (Photo by Reginah Nalunga)

 
He was also found with medical documents showing medical records of patients he has previously worked on.

He is currently held at Kawempe police station on charges of impersonation.