Four health officers in Katakwi District are under investigation for allegedly soliciting bribes from school administrators while conducting inspections for Monkeypox and Ebola prevention measures.
According to a source who wished to remain anonymous, the officers visited her school on Wednesday to assess its preparedness for Monkeypox prevention but instead demanded money, threatening to close the facility if payment was not made.
The source said the inspection team checked dormitories and reported that the dormitory prefects lacked proper hand-washing facilities. The officers allegedly cited congestion in the boarding section as a concern and demanded between UGX 500,000 to UGX 1 million from the headteacher.
An eyewitness recounted that the health officers forced the headteacher into a closed-door meeting, where they pressured him to pay or face dormitory closure. In a panic, the headteacher complied and made the payment.
Dr. Simon Ichumar Omeke, the Katakwi District Health Officer (DHO), confirmed that a task force had been set up to ensure schools adhered to Monkeypox prevention protocols. He emphasized that school administrators had been briefed before the term started on recognizing the signs and symptoms of Monkeypox.
Dr. Omeke explained that the health team was scheduled to visit all 78 schools in the district to monitor compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Monkeypox control. However, he condemned the actions of the four accused health officers, saying they had abused their authority for personal gain.
“This is unacceptable. We had a clear mandate to enforce public health protocols, not to exploit schools. Disciplinary action will be taken against those responsible,” Dr. Omeke stated.
Katakwi District has already reported at least two confirmed cases of Monkeypox, heightening concerns about disease prevention measures in schools.
Vincent Xavier Okwii, the acting Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Katakwi, confirmed that investigations into the matter are ongoing. He assured the public that any officials found guilty of misconduct would be held accountable.
The suspects, who were reportedly driving a silver vehicle with registration number UBG 205 L, were seen at one of the schools in the Katakwi area before the allegations emerged.
