UPDF Arrest Three Men Trying to Sneak Gun into Hoima Regional Referral Hospital

Soldiers now conduct thorough checks on all individuals entering and leaving the facility. Several staff members have previously been apprehended for attempting to steal drugs and medical supplies.

A suspect being arrested (courtesy photo)

The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) have intercepted three men attempting to sneak a gun into Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. The suspects, whose identities have been withheld to protect the ongoing investigation, were apprehended on Friday at 7:00 p.m. by soldiers stationed at the hospital gate.

According to information gathered by Uganda Radio Network (URN), the men disguised themselves as patients seeking treatment. However, a routine check of one of their bags revealed a firearm. Soldiers, with assistance from hospital security guards, arrested the trio and handed them over to Hoima City Central Police Station, where they remain in custody.

Dr. Ibrahim Bwaga, Director of Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, said hospital authorities were shocked by the incident. He praised the UPDF for their intervention, noting that the gun could have caused significant harm, as the suspects’ motives remain unknown.

Badru Mugabi, Resident City Commissioner for Hoima, confirmed the arrests and stated that the suspects are currently under interrogation at the police station. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or objects to security operatives.

Details of the recovered firearm have not yet been released. In August 2025, the hospital deployed UPDF soldiers to strengthen security following a rise in thefts, some reportedly involving hospital staff. Soldiers now conduct thorough checks on all individuals entering and leaving the facility. Several staff members have previously been apprehended for attempting to steal drugs and medical supplies.