Police in Soroti have detained a dental surgeon attached to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital over allegations that he extorted money from a patient and withheld medical treatment after the patient failed to pay the amount demanded.
Dr Derrick Tukwasiibwe is being held at Soroti Central Police Station following intelligence reports that allegedly linked him to several incidents of extortion involving patients at the regional referral hospital.
The investigations were triggered by a complaint involving Joseph Ocen, who reportedly sustained serious injuries after being attacked by an unidentified group while returning home at night.
Ocen was reportedly rescued by a passerby and rushed to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital for emergency treatment. Medical examinations established that he had suffered a fractured jaw and required specialised treatment from a dental surgeon.
He was subsequently referred to the hospital’s dental unit, where he was attended to by Dr Tukwasiibwe.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the doctor allegedly demanded UGX 350,000 from Ocen’s family before carrying out the required operation.
When the family reportedly failed to raise the full amount, Dr Tukwasiibwe allegedly withheld the patient’s medical file for more than two days, delaying the treatment he required.
The family later managed to raise UGX 200,000, but the doctor allegedly declined the money and insisted that the full UGX 350,000 had to be paid before treatment could proceed.
The matter later came to the attention of security personnel, who launched inquiries into the disappearance of Ocen’s medical file and the circumstances surrounding the delay in his treatment.
Investigators are examining allegations that the missing file prevented nurses from administering the necessary treatment, leaving the injured patient without medical care despite his condition requiring urgent attention.
The hospital administration said the doctor had previously been cautioned over allegations of extorting patients and mishandling cases but allegedly failed to change his conduct.
Hospital officials described the allegations as serious professional misconduct, noting that delays in treating patients with severe injuries could have fatal consequences.
The administration further maintained that the hospital had the necessary medicines and equipment required to manage Ocen’s condition, raising further questions about why his treatment was allegedly delayed.
Police have since taken over investigations into the matter.
Dr Tukwasiibwe has reportedly been charged with attempted felony, while the case file has been submitted to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for guidance as investigations continue.
East Kyoga Regional Police Commander Ibrahim Saiga confirmed that the suspect was in police custody but said authorities would provide further details to the media after investigations had progressed.
The case has renewed concerns about allegations of extortion in public health facilities, where patients are legally entitled to access treatment without being subjected to unlawful demands for money by medical personnel.
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