The administration of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) has responded to social media accusations surrounding the care of the late Mr. Yorokamu Kamukyerere, former Resident District Commissioner. Despite his passing at Nsambya Hospital, netizens have linked his demise to inefficiencies at MRRH.
In a press release titled “Statement on the Stay of the Late Former RDC at MRRH,” the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Halson Kagure, explained the events surrounding Kamukyerere’s care. The 80-year-old was admitted to MRRH’s Private Wing on July 17, 2024, at 10:30 pm, after being referred from a private facility. A team of medical professionals worked to stabilize him, and his level of consciousness improved due to their expertise.
Although the hospital’s efforts yielded positive results, Kamukyerere’s blood pressure remained unstable. The following day, he was scheduled for a CT scan to determine the nature of his stroke. Sources close to relatives reveal that, his caretakers debated whether to transfer him to Kampala for further management or keep him at MRRH. Despite assurances from hospital staff about the quality of care, Kamukyerere was eventually transferred to Nsambya Hospital, where he passed away.
Self-proclaimed digital activist Bernard Sabiiti criticized MRRH on social media (X platform formerly twitter), claiming the hospital lacks a generator and is prone to power outages. This has since generated debate with social commenters criticizing the status of referral hospital.
However, Kagure dismissed these claims, stating that the hospital has standby generators connected to critical units like the Intensive Care Unit and Operating Theatres.
The hospital administration expressed condolences to Kamukyerere’s family and friends, acknowledging the pain of learning about his passing through social media. This incident is not the first time MRRH has faced public criticism.
Last year, Kabale based local musician Shine Omukiga accused hospital staff of extortion regarding the acquisition of his late father’s death notification certificate. However, an investigation revealed that Omukiga was not eligible to receive the certificate because he was not registered as the next of kin on the patient’s file.
MRRH remains committed to providing specialized and super-specialized services to the population, emphasizing a client-centered approach. The administration encourages the public to hold them accountable through established procedures.
