The Deputy Inspector General of Government (DIGG), Anne Twino, recently conducted a spot check at the City Mortuary Unit of Mulago National Referral Hospital to assess service delivery, sanitation standards and operational efficiency.

The inspection focused on evaluating the performance of the facility, which handles a high volume of cases as Uganda's national referral centre.

During the visit, Twino observed that the mortuary was clean, orderly and professionally managed despite the demanding nature of its work and the consistently heavy caseload. She commended the hospital's leadership and staff for maintaining high standards of hygiene and organisation.

"I commend the staff and administration of the hospital on the great improvement the facility has experienced over time. The job you do is great, though thankless. We see you, we know the hardships you face, and we appreciate that you stay the course despite everything," she said.

Dr. John Sekabira, Senior Consultant Paediatric Surgeon, appealed to the DIGG to engage the relevant authorities on the need for increased funding and staffing. He explained that the mortuary also serves as a key training centre for pathology students, increasing its workload and placing additional pressure on the existing workforce.

AIGP Dr. Moses Byaruhanga, Director of Uganda Police Health Services and Lead Forensic Pathologist, acknowledged recent government investments that have improved the timeliness and accuracy of postmortem reports.

However, he said the facility continues to face operational challenges and revealed that plans are underway to establish an additional facility and recruit more medical personnel to reduce the strain on staff.

In response, Twino pledged to escalate the concerns raised during the visit to the appropriate government agencies for urgent consideration.

She reaffirmed the Inspectorate of Government's commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening public service delivery and preserving the dignity of all citizens.

The visit highlighted the important role played by the Mulago National Referral Hospital mortuary in providing clinical and forensic services while also supporting medical education. Although notable progress has been made, officials emphasized that sustained investment and strategic staffing remain essential to meeting the growing demands placed on the facility.

Twino was accompanied by Daniel Luutu, Assistant Director for Ombudsman Affairs, and Inspectorate Officer Owen Masembe during the inspection.