Alebtong, Uganda – Security operatives in Alebtong District have arrested Okwir Sam, a senior medical officer at Alebtong Health Center IV, for allegedly extorting money from patients in a public health facility.
The arrest, which took place on the evening of March 12, 2025, followed repeated warnings from the district leadership against the practice of soliciting bribes from vulnerable patients.
According to Alebtong Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Mathias Lutwama, Okwir Sam was caught in the act while receiving a large sum of money in exchange for providing treatment to a pregnant woman.
Lutwama noted that despite prior warnings and documented evidence cautioning medical staff against extorting patients, some health workers have persisted in engaging in bribery.
He confirmed that Okwir Sam will be charged under Section 4 of the Anti-Corruption Act in the designated courts of judicature.
North Kyoga Police Spokesperson SP Jimmy Patrick Okema confirmed to our reporter in a phone interview that he had not received information about the incident.
He added that he would contact the Officer-in-Charge of the Criminal Investigations Department (OC CID) at Alebtong Central Police Station to gather more details about the arrest.
Attempts to get a comment from the In-Charge of Alebtong Health Center IV were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls from our reporter.
The Deputy RDC reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting corruption in public service and ensuring that patients receive free and fair medical care as required by law.
The suspect is currently being held at Alebtong Central Police Station under file number SD 27/12/03/2025.
