SOROTI - Three individuals, including a staff member from Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, have been arrested for allegedly stealing a vital 20-liter oxygen gas cylinder.

The suspects, Aaron Engwaru, the hospital’s plant manager, along with two community members, Jonathan Emesu and Stephen Esiau, were nabbed as they attempted to whisk the cylinder away on a bicycle, heading toward Hyde Park along the Soroti-Moroto Road.

The theft was uncovered during a routine check when Benzy Omoya, the hospital’s principal administrator, noticed the cylinder missing from their inventory. This prompted a swift and decisive police response, launching a search that ended with the arrest of the three suspects.

Engwaru, entrusted with the hospital’s oxygen supply, now finds himself under intense investigation alongside his accomplices, Emesu and Esiau. According to East Kyoga police spokesperson Edison Obukulem, the trio is currently in custody, assisting the police in piecing together the full story. "The suspects will likely face charges of theft," Obukulem stated, hinting at more evidence being gathered to tighten the case.

Hospital insiders were quick to point out the gravity of the theft, stressing that the stolen cylinder played a crucial role in the hospital’s oxygen supply, a lifeline for patients in critical condition. Ben Watmon, the hospital’s director, strongly condemned the crime, emphasizing the need for robust security of medical supplies.

Watmon shared that it was a night patrol by police officers that raised the alarm about suspicious activity. “The suspects tried to make a run for it but were captured after a brief chase,” Watmon explained, adding that the hospital is fully cooperating with authorities to ensure justice is served.

In light of the incident, Omoya has acted swiftly by reassigning the hospital’s oxygen plant management to Jorem Okiria, who will oversee operations until further notice. “I have directed all staff to liaise with Okiria to ensure that the oxygen supply remains steady and uninterrupted,” Omoya said, determined to prevent further disruptions.

Fortunately, the hospital’s oxygen supply remains intact at 450 units, including both 50-liter and 20-liter cylinders, thanks to the timely recovery of the stolen cylinder. However, the incident has raised serious concerns about the hospital’s security protocols, spurring officials to review and tighten measures to prevent future breaches.

This bold attempt has left both hospital staff and the community questioning how such a critical theft could occur, but also relieved that swift action was taken to avoid a potential crisis.