Lira, Uganda — An imposter identified as Okello Moses has been arrested at Lira Regional Referral Hospital for allegedly defrauding a patient’s caregiver. Okello Moses was apprehended by hospital management, accompanied by police, after reportedly obtaining Shs 200,000 from a patient’s caregiver.
The arrest, carried out on Thursday, 26th February 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., was a joint effort between the hospital’s security team and officers from the Uganda Police Force. Okello Moses was arrested inside the female surgical ward after allegedly posing as a medical officer to swindle money from a desperate family seeking urgent care for their relative.
According to hospital authorities, the suspect claimed he could facilitate a “quick medical procedure” for the patient in exchange for Shs 500,000. He reportedly demanded an upfront deposit of Shs 200,000 before any action would be taken, assuring the caregiver that the balance would be paid upon completion of the procedure.
“The caregiver became suspicious and immediately reported the incident to our security personnel,” said a hospital spokesperson. “We acted promptly, coordinated with the police, and arrested the suspect moments after he received the money.”
Okello Moses is now facing charges of theft and impersonation. The case has been officially registered at Lira City Central Police Station under reference number 32/26/02/2026. Hospital management has pledged full cooperation with law enforcement to ensure justice is served.
This arrest marks the fifth such incident in February 2026 alone, signaling a worrying trend of imposters infiltrating the hospital premises to exploit vulnerable patients and their families.
“We would like to inform the public that our security team is on 24-hour alert, supported by comprehensive CCTV surveillance across the hospital compound,” the management stated in a press release. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of our patients, staff, and visitors.”
The hospital has issued a public advisory urging patients and caregivers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or demands for informal payments. All genuine medical services, the hospital emphasized, are provided through official channels and do not require bribery or under-the-table payments.
“We encourage everyone to come forward with information. Together, we can make Lira Regional Referral Hospital a safer, more trustworthy institution for all,” the statement concluded.
As investigations continue, authorities warn that impersonating medical personnel not only undermines public trust but also endangers lives, a crime they say will be met with maximum legal consequences. According to a reliable source, Okello will be arraigned in court on Friday.
