Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) found itself at the center of controversy when a 19-year-old female impersonator was caught red-handed posing as a medical doctor within its premises.
Shirat Namatongo, hailing from Katete in Mbarara City Suburb, was apprehended in the health worker’s changing room on Tuesday, donning a clinical coat and stethoscope in an attempt to blend in with the hospital staff.
Halson Kagure, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, recounted the incident, stating, “She was spotted by Saidati Nabiyiki, the Incharge of that particular unit, as she attempted to change clothes. Recognizing the unfamiliar face, Nabiyiki questioned her presence in the doctors’ changing room.” Kagure further revealed, “Initially, the suspect claimed to be a Student of Medicine at Mbarara University of Science and Technology Faculty of Medicine (MUSTFOM). However, when pressed to name three medical dons at MUST, she faltered, leading to the realization that she was an impostor.”
Subsequent investigations unearthed Namatongo’s prolonged presence within the hospital premises, where she duped both patients and staff alike. Upon her apprehension, authorities discovered a bag in her possession containing various drugs, including tenoten, dexamethasone, albendazole, and disposable gloves. Promptly, hospital security was alerted, and Namatongo was taken into custody.
Upon inspection of Namatongo’s belongings, Kagure disclosed, “Detectives found additional drugs such as tenoten, dexamethasone, albendazole, and disposable gloves in her bag. Her deceptive appearance made it hard to believe she was not a genuine medical practitioner.”
In a surprising revelation, Mbarara Central Police detectives identified Namatongo as the same individual who had previously sold fruits to them. Subsequently, she confessed to the crime and offered to assist in identifying her accomplices, who had been involved in defrauding patients at the hospital.
Dr. Deus Twesigye, a Senior Consultant General Surgeon and Acting Hospital Director, condemned Namatongo’s actions and those of her collaborators, emphasizing the exploitation of vulnerable patients. Urging thorough investigations, Dr. Twesigye implored the police to purge the hospital of such detrimental elements tarnishing its reputation.
Hospital authorities reiterated their commitment to providing free services to all patients and emphasized the necessity of only paying for private services with valid receipts issued by the hospital. Kagure assured,
“We have previously launched the hospital’s client charter, outlining client rights and obligations, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to uphold hygiene standards and prevent similar incidents in the future.”
