The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Justice Aisha Naluzze, on Wednesday carried out a surprise inspection at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and discovered serious failures affecting patient care.

The IGG’s team found that the hospital’s CT scan machine has been idle since June 2025. The digital X-ray machine was also not usable because its films had expired, slowing down important medical tests.

The inspection also revealed severe overcrowding. Many patients were sleeping outside under tents, while others were admitted under beds in the wards. Several patients said they had paid large sums of money but had to wait weeks without treatment.

The IGG’s team found that patients seeking MRI, CT scan, and X-ray services are charged between 200,000 and 750,000 shillings.

Johnson Arinda from Mitooma District told the IGG that he spent three weeks waiting without treatment, despite paying 500,000 shillings and another 250,000 shillings for a blood test. Another patient, Vicent Sengo, said he was removed from his hospital bed before finishing treatment, even though he had not been formally discharged. He explained that he still needed medication through a catheter and has been sleeping under a tent to continue treatment.

Savio Kakooza Ntensibe, the Ombudsman, said the inspection found staff shortages, delayed staff validation, lack of storage for drugs, and persistent patient congestion. He warned that these problems could also lead to payments to ghost workers if staff validation is not updated.

Acting Hospital Director Dr Deus Twesigye admitted that the machines were not being used properly but promised to make them operational. He also said he would investigate staff accused of taking money from patients.

Dr Twesigye explained that the hospital, built in 1930 with 240 beds, now has 545 beds and admits 500–600 patients every week. The hospital receives referrals from across the region because it offers specialized services such as a cancer unit, neurology, and an internationally accredited laboratory, which adds pressure on its resources.

Justice Naluzze instructed Dr Twesigye to investigate how money from MRI and CT scan services is managed, and to report back to her office. He was also asked to provide a list of all hospital staff on the government payroll and those employed through service providers and partners. Dr Twesigye will meet the IGG team next week for further discussion on other issues not shared publicly.

Earlier, Justice Naluzze visited the IGG regional office and local government units in Mbarara District and Mbarara City. She held meetings with Deputy Resident District Commissioner Michael Muhoozi, Chief Administrative Officer David Muhwezi, and political leaders including District Councilor Saverius Nuwagira.

The IGG team also visited land in Kamukuzi, Mbarara City North Division, offered by the district for a new regional IGG office. Last year, the Mbarara District Council approved half an acre of land to bring the IGG services closer to the people. Justice Naluzze and Chief Administrative Officer Muhwezi agreed to speed up the transfer of the land title so construction can begin.

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