Health worker arrested after night inspection exposes absenteeism at Mityana facility

surprise night inspection at Magala Health Centre III in Mityana Municipality led to the arrest of the facility in-charge after leaders found no health worker on duty despite the facility’s mandate to provide 24-hour services.

A health worker has been arrested following a surprise night inspection at Magala Health Centre III in Mityana Municipality, as district leaders intensify efforts to address absenteeism and improve service delivery in government health facilities.

The operation was led by Mityana Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Prossy Mwanjuzi after residents raised complaints that health workers at the facility routinely abandon duty during night shifts and weekends, leaving patients without medical attention.

Mwanjuzi said the inspection confirmed the concerns raised by residents.

"Residents have complained for a long time that health workers are absent during nights and weekends. Our visit confirmed these allegations, and we cannot continue tolerating negligence in public health facilities," Mwanjuzi said.

Magala Health Centre III, located in Kigenge Village, Mityana Municipality, is expected to provide 24-hour medical services. However, inspectors reportedly found no health worker on duty when they arrived at about 7pm.

The facility’s officer in charge, Nathan Ntambi, was also absent. He was later contacted and asked to explain his absence but failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, leading to his arrest to assist with investigations.

During the inspection, leaders also discovered alleged irregularities in the attendance register, with some staff reportedly recorded as having worked on days they had not actually reported for duty.

"Falsifying attendance records is a serious offence. Public servants must be accountable because government health services exist to serve wananchi, not individual interests," Mwanjuzi said.

Following the inspection, Mwanjuzi and Mityana Municipality Town Clerk Godfrey Kateebe convened an emergency meeting with district health officials, local leaders and staff from Magala Health Centre III to discuss measures to restore proper service delivery.

The meeting established that some health workers had been absent from duty without informing their supervisors, raising concerns about discipline and management at the facility.

However, Assistant Nursing Officer Milly Nabukeera cited staffing challenges and inadequate security, especially at night, as some of the factors affecting health workers.

"We serve more than 1,000 patients every month, yet the facility is overcrowded and lacks adequate accommodation for both patients and staff. Security at night also remains a major concern," Nabukeera said.

She added that limited space has forced male and female patients to share wards, while health workers lack proper accommodation during night duty.

Despite the challenges, Kateebe said poor infrastructure cannot justify absenteeism or neglect of duty.

"We recognise that Magala Health Centre III requires expansion, and plans are underway to improve the facility. However, no challenge can excuse health workers from abandoning their responsibilities," he said.

The town clerk assured residents that the municipality is committed to expanding the health centre to improve working conditions and patient care.

Mwanjuzi also called on Local Council leaders to strengthen community monitoring of public institutions to ensure cases of absenteeism and negligence are identified early.

"Local leaders must actively monitor government institutions in their areas. Working together with communities will help improve accountability and the quality of public services," she said.

Authorities directed two other health workers, Angela Nankya and Justine Asiimwe, who were reportedly absent during the inspection, to report to police and explain their absence.

District leaders warned that disciplinary action would be taken against public officers found neglecting their duties, saying government remains committed to ensuring reliable healthcare services for residents of Mityana.