The administration of Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital (FRRH) has responded to widespread social media criticism alleging medical negligence in the treatment of Tooro musician Moses Kigambo, who passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025, due to abdominal obstruction.
The controversy arose after a video circulated by a local pastor in Fort Portal City went viral. In the video, the pastor accused hospital staff of neglect, claiming that the facility was staffed primarily by students and that the main theatre equipment was too dirty to use.
The allegations have sparked public outrage across the Tooro region and beyond, with many criticizing the hospital’s administration and political leadership for failing to address healthcare challenges.
On Sunday, Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital Administrator Beatrice Batamuliza addressed the allegations, stating that Kigambo was admitted to the surgical ward via the OPD emergency unit. She explained that his condition required stabilization before surgery could be performed.
Batamuliza dismissed the claims circulating on social media as false and misleading. She asserted that the hospital’s theatre is always operational and ready to handle emergencies. “The allegations that the theatre was unfit for use are completely baseless,” she said. Batamuliza also noted that Kigambo had a history of being treated at the facility for a similar condition, adding that his case was handled professionally.
The hospital administrator criticized those spreading misinformation, emphasizing that it fosters unnecessary public anger and disrupts the care environment for other patients. She urged the public to verify facts before making accusations. Batamuliza also highlighted that Kigambo was admitted to the hospital’s private wing, where initial tests were conducted.
Dr. Lauben Kyomukama Amagara, a general surgeon at the hospital, also refuted the claims of negligence. He clarified that both he and his team were on duty and attended to Kigambo promptly.
“No time was wasted without a doctor attending to the patient,” Dr. Amagara stated. He explained that the delay in surgery was due to Kigambo’s unstable condition, which required careful management before proceeding.
Minister Calls for Leadership Overhaul at Fort Portal Hospital Amid Public Outcry
Following the public outcry the Minister of State for Primary Health Care (PHC), Margaret Muhanga, has demanded the immediate transfer of Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital’s director, Dr. Alex Adaku, and the administrator, Beatrice Batamuliza, following the death of Kigambo.
Muhanga, who is also the Member of Parliament for Fort Portal Tourism City Northern Division, accused hospital staff of neglecting patients in favor of running private clinics. She alleged that this practice leaves many patients at the referral hospital unattended.
“Patients are even forced to trek to health centers for better services, yet they live within the city center,” Muhanga said. She further revealed that she had repeatedly raised these concerns with the Ministry of Health and recommended transferring the hospital administrators, but her appeals have gone unaddressed.
The minister is urging the local community to demand immediate action from the Ministry of Health’s top management, asserting that Kigambo’s death should serve as a turning point. “Kigambo has not died in vain. The community is tired of the poor services at this referral hospital, and action must be taken now,” Muhanga declared.
Muhanga also expressed concern over recurring issues at the hospital, including extortion, absentee health workers, and frequent drug shortages. These systemic problems have tarnished the hospital’s reputation, making it difficult for patients to receive adequate care.
Responding to the allegations, Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital Administrator Beatrice Batamuliza dismissed claims of negligence and mismanagement, describing some of the circulating information as false. She maintained that the facility is always fully staffed and ready to handle emergencies.
Despite Batamuliza’s assurances, public dissatisfaction with the hospital’s services continues to grow, with many calling for an overhaul of its leadership to restore trust and improve patient care.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Diana Atwine, has interdicted Dr. Alex Adaku, the Medical Superintendent of Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital.
Atwine made the announcement on Friday during a meeting with the hospital’s top leadership and local leaders at the facility.
The visit was prompted by public complaints about challenges at the hospital, including allegations of mismanagement, which have drawn significant attention following the death of celebrated Tooro musician Moses Kigambo Araali, who passed away at the facility last Saturday.
Whistle-blowers allege that Araali’s death resulted from negligence by medical personnel. They also highlighted other issues at the hospital, such as extortion, absenteeism, and a shortage of essential drugs.
Addressing the concerns, Atwine assured stakeholders that the Ministry of Health would launch a thorough investigation into the claims and take appropriate action to improve service delivery at the hospital.
“The Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring that health facilities serve the public effectively and uphold the highest standards of care,” she said.
This development has sparked widespread reactions, with the public and local leaders calling for swift reforms to restore trust in the region’s primary healthcare facility.