Henry Francis Kadaga, a self-proclaimed medical specialist who was recently released on bail in a case involving the death of a pregnant woman, has been arrested again. This time, authorities say he was operating an unlicensed clinic, performing illegal abortions and is suspected of removing three uteruses.
Kadaga, who was granted bail last month in connection with the death of 37-year-old Ritah Nansubuga during a botched Caesarean section, was taken into custody during a joint operation by the Ministry of Health, the Allied Health Professionals Council and the State House Health Monitoring Unit. Investigators say the operation uncovered serious violations at Mulago Health Medical Center International, Kadaga’s facility in Mulago, Kawempe Division, Kampala.
Officials allege that Kadaga had begun operating on a woman he claimed was suffering from appendicitis. But when the woman was transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital, doctors found no evidence of appendicitis. Authorities say Kadaga had demanded 1 million shillings from the woman’s relatives before surgery.
During the raid, investigators reported finding outdated and substandard medical equipment, including an uncertified operating bed, a refrigerator storing blood and unregulated medicines, and a loudspeaker allegedly used to advertise his services to the community. The clinic was operating inside a residential house.
Three women recovering from illegal abortions were found hidden in separate rooms, prompting Kadaga’s immediate arrest, officials said.
Michael Mubiru Kayizzi, one of the leaders of the operation, said the raid was part of a broader effort to eliminate substandard medical facilities and fraudsters impersonating medical workers. He said such practices continue to undermine public trust in Uganda’s health system.
Kadaga, now detained at Wandegeya Police Station, defended himself to authorities, claiming he was treating patients and had paid individuals who promised to help him obtain proper documentation. Officials say no legitimate documents were found and the facility did not meet minimum medical standards.
His latest arrest follows an earlier case in which he and three others were remanded to Luzira Prison by Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court over Nansubuga’s death during a Caesarean section at Sunset Consultant Clinic in Mulago.
The other suspects included Joel Kyowanika, a medical imaging technologist and clinic proprietor; Hassan Budhugo, an orthopedic technologist from Wakiso District; and Ahmed Lutaaya Kaleebu, a businessman accused of impersonating a doctor to bring Nansubuga to the clinic. Lutaaya remains at large. The trio, including Kadaga, was charged with manslaughter and conspiracy to commit a felony.
Nansubuga, a nursing officer who had recently returned from Dubai, had been attending regular antenatal reviews. She reportedly trusted Lutaaya, who posed as a public relations officer for the clinic, to guide her to what she believed was a reputable facility. Her baby survived the delivery on Sept. 4, 2025. A friend, nurse Naomi Campbell Nambooze, filed a complaint with the State House Health Monitoring Unit on Sept. 9, triggering the investigation that led to Kadaga’s latest arrest. Nansubuga is survived by her 3-week-old son.
A growing history of quack doctors in Uganda
The case is the latest in a troubling pattern of fake doctors operating across Uganda. Buganda Road Court has handled multiple cases involving impersonators and unlicensed practitioners.
On July 29, 2025, the same court sentenced 27-year-old Francis Taulula to two years in prison after he admitted to impersonating a medical doctor and causing the deaths of three patients. Taulula also pleaded guilty to forgery, impersonation and obtaining medical registration by pretence. Court records show he falsified academic certificates to secure provisional registration from the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council, allowing him to perform unsupervised surgeries at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital and several private facilities.
His lack of training led to the deaths of Harriet Atugonza, Scovia Atuhura and Gladys Pifua. Taulula was ordered to refund 21.6 million shillings to affected families.
Health authorities say Uganda continues to grapple with fraudulent practitioners who exploit gaps in regulation, weak enforcement and public desperation for affordable health care.
