National Unity Platform president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine has accused the government of being tribalistic in its handling of Mulago hospital ED Dr Byaruhanga Baterana’s case.
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine, President of the National Unity Platform, has slammed the government for being tribalistic in handling the ED case of Mulago hospital’s Dr Byaruhanga Baterana.
Baterana together with six other officials from the hospital were last week arrested by the State House Health Monitoring Unit to help in investigations surrounding allegations related to the mismanagement of the hospital.
According to Dr Warren Naamara, the State Unit head, the arrest was conducted to help in the follow-up on investigations around the miss/management of the hospital.
Namara also said they took the decision to arrest the Mulago boss after he failed to honor an invitation they sent to him.
“It is after this failure to honor the invitation that the ED was detained to have him respond to the said investigations.”
“We are querying mismanagement of resources, medicines and equipment at the hospital. As the head of the hospital, he is responsible and we invited him to help us with the ongoing investigations mid last month,” Namara said at a presser on Wednesday.
Speaking about the incident, however, Mr Kyagulanyi has slammed any proceedings around this case saying that the government has already shown its side.
“Dr. Namara arrested Dr. Byarugaba, handed him to CID’s Tom M. Rwabudongo as reported by C. Twiine. He was interdicted by Diana Atwiine. He’s replaced by Dr. Byanyima who has been his deputy. They practice open TRIBALISM & when we expose it, they accuse us of the same. Hypocrites.” Kyagulanyi posted on his Twitter handle.
In response to his statement, however, Charles Twine the PRO Criminal Investigations Directorate said Kyagulanyi’s comment is stupid and baseless.
“Such comment does not show ingenuity but rather part time thinking in disregard of inter tribal linkages. But we appreciate your observation Mr. President, after all understanding is not compulsory,” he responded.
This comes at a time when the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr Diana Atwine last week suspended Baterana with immediate effect.
In a letter dated March 2, 2022, Dr Atwine noted that owing to the ongoing investigations into abuse of office, embezzlement, causing financial loss and fraudulent false accounting, it is prudent that Baterana steps aside.
“Pursuant to section F-s and F-r of the Public Service Standing Orders 2021, you are hereby interdicted for duty to pave way for investigations and you will receive half pay with immediate effect until the charges against you have been cleared,” the letter reads in part.
Similarly, he has also since been requested to hand over office to his deputy, Dr Rosemary Byanyima but also to stay away from the hospital premises to allow the commencement of investigations.
Reading further, the ED was also blocked from leaving the country without clear written permission.
