Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara has ordered the disbandment of the Iganga District Service Commission as government steps up efforts to address alleged corruption and concerns over public service delivery in the district.
The directive was issued during the minister’s visit to Iganga, where he met residents and officials at Iganga Main Hospital to discuss challenges affecting public services.
The visit also resulted in the arrest of 39 people in connection with various alleged corruption-related cases, according to information presented during the minister’s tour.
The developments have placed renewed focus on accountability in the management of public resources and the delivery of essential services in the district.
At Iganga Main Hospital, officials raised concerns about unreliable electricity, saying frequent power fluctuations were affecting hospital operations and putting medical equipment at risk.
Mr Barugahara contacted the minister responsible for energy over the matter, with an intervention expected to address the hospital’s power supply challenges.
The minister also ordered the re-arrest of Iganga Main Hospital pharmacist Dr Misinde Patrick and drug inspector Kauma Sumaya over accountability concerns relating to medicines at the facility.
Mr Barugahara said the two health workers should be investigated following concerns previously raised by members of Parliament’s Health Committee.
He said accountability for medicines and other public resources must be clearly established, particularly at a major public health facility serving a large population.
Hospital parking charges questioned
Residents also raised concerns about alleged parking charges imposed on patients and their attendants who use boda bodas to access the hospital.
They told the minister that some patients and attendants had allegedly been required to pay fees when motorcycles were used to transport patients to the facility.
Mr Barugahara directed that the allegations be investigated and ordered action against anyone found responsible.
He further directed the hospital to stop charging patients parking fees, saying the facility has a free parking area that should be accessible to patients and their attendants.
Minister asks medical superintendent to stay
The minister also intervened in a matter involving the hospital’s Acting Medical Superintendent, Dr Anne Amate, who he urged to remain in office and continue serving patients.
Mr Barugahara said he had received information that Dr Amate was considering resigning following alleged attempts by some politicians to demand money from her.
According to the minister, Dr Amate declined to pay the alleged bribes and subsequently came under pressure to leave her position.
Mr Barugahara urged her to remain focused on her duties and continue improving services at the hospital.
The minister’s visit comes amid growing concerns about accountability, management of public resources and service delivery in Iganga.
The disbandment of the district service commission and the arrests linked to alleged corruption cases are expected to put greater scrutiny on the management of public institutions in the district.
The government has continued to emphasise accountability and improved service delivery as key measures in ensuring that public resources benefit citizens.