By James Alomu

Soroti Regional Referral Hospital is under increasing scrutiny following a wave of corruption allegations raised by locals during a recent Health Baraza organized by the State House Health Monitoring Unit. Community members accused health workers at the referral facility of demanding bribes, soliciting unnecessary payments, and referring patients to private clinics in exchange for kickbacks.

At the event, residents expressed deep frustration over what they described as persistent extortion practices by some health workers. They reported that nurses frequently ask patients to bring basic supplies such as soap, liquid soap, and disinfectants like Jik, claiming the hospital has run out. Others said they were charged for “mama kits”, essential birth supplies which are supposed to be provided free of charge in public facilities.

More concerning were claims that some doctors at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital refer patients to privately owned clinics and pharmacies, allegedly connected to them, where they receive financial benefits from the referrals.

“You go to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital expecting free treatment, but they tell you to go to a private clinic instead. Later you learn that the doctors are working with those clinics for their own gain,” one local resident reported.

In response Dr .Warren Namara, Director of the State House Health Monitoring Unit, acknowledged the concerns but clarified that the corruption appears to stem from individuals, not the hospital as an institution.

 “There is no evidence of a coordinated corruption network within Soroti Regional Referral Hospital,” Dr. Namara said. “This is misconduct by individual nurses and doctors who are taking advantage of patients. Charging 5,000 shillings for a mama kit is not only unethical but illegal.” 

Dr. Namara emphasized that the public must play a key role in fighting corruption, encouraging residents to report unethical behavior rather than waiting solely for government oversight.

“You are the primary monitors of health service delivery. We urge you to speak up early and help us take timely action,” he added.

On his part, Mr. Benedicto Watmon, Director of Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, addressed concerns surrounding medical service charges. He explained that the hospital charges 120,000 shillings for X-ray services, a fee that is in line with Ministry of Health guidelines.

Watmon assured the community that the hospital administration is taking the allegations seriously and will investigate all claims of extortion and malpractice by staff.

The community, however, insisted on urgent feedback and concrete action from the State House Health Monitoring Unit, stressing that delayed responses could deepen mistrust in public health services.

Soroti Regional Referral Hospital remains at the center of growing calls for transparency, accountability, and a thorough clean up of unethical practices that threaten to undermine public healthcare in the region.