Nyapea Hospital storekeeper arrested for drug theft
According to Dr. Warom, the suspect attempted to escape while in temporary detention but was re-arrested by the security team.
Zombo: Fred Mugisha, the storekeeper at Holy Family Hospital Nyapea in Zombo District, was arrested on March 29, 2025, for allegedly stealing anti-malarial drugs (Coartem), according to the hospital administration.
Mugisha, a long-serving employee, was reportedly caught by hospital security guards at around 1:00 AM in the hospital compound as he attempted to leave with the stolen medicines.
Dr. Innocent Warom, the Acting Medical Director of Holy Family Hospital Nyapea, confirmed that the suspect was detained by the guards until morning before being transferred to Paidha Central Police Station for further investigation.
The hospital administration acted swiftly after an angry mob gathered at the hospital gate, threatening to lynch Mugisha.
“Last night, our security guards intercepted Fred as he was leaving at around 1:00 AM. When they searched him, they discovered he had stolen some anti-malarial drugs from our stores, leading to his arrest,” Warom explained.
According to Dr. Warom, the suspect attempted to escape while in temporary detention but was re-arrested by the security team.
“He tried to escape from where he was being held, but the guards pursued and apprehended him again,” Warom added.
Following Mugisha’s arrest, news spread that he was also suspected of being involved in the death of Patrick Jakony, a hospital security guard and acting foreman who died mysteriously a few days earlier.
By 6:00 AM, an enraged mob gathered at the hospital gate, accusing Mugisha of poisoning Jakony. The hospital administration quickly alerted the police, who arrived in time to rescue the suspect.
Warom noted that the mob even mounted roadblocks to prevent the suspect from being transported to Paidha using the hospital ambulance.
Contradictions in the case
However, Nyapea Sub-County LCIII Chairperson, Constantine Omwon, offered a different account. In an earlier interview, he stated that Mugisha’s arrest stemmed from demands by the deceased guard’s relatives for an explanation regarding Jakony’s sudden illness and death.
“Fred and the late Jakony traveled together to a burial in Zeu on Wednesday. Upon returning, Jakony developed severe stomach pains and was rushed to the hospital, where he died before receiving medical attention. His relatives are demanding an explanation from Fred because they traveled together. The arrest had nothing to do with stolen drugs,” Omwon clarified.
Dr. Innocent Warom dismissed speculation that Mugisha was responsible for Jakony’s death, stating that investigations were still ongoing.
“Jakony attended a burial with Fred on Wednesday. Later that evening, he returned to the hospital before heading home. Sadly, the following night, he fell sick and died upon arrival at the hospital. We are awaiting the post-mortem report to determine the cause of death,” Warom stated.
Meanwhile, Mugisha remains in custody at Paidha Central Police Station, as local anger over Jakony’s death continues to grow.
Jakony, a resident of Agore East, Oyeyu Parish, was widely respected in the community.
“He was a very humble and welcoming man,” said Joe Ubedgiu, a local councilor.
Police at Paidha Central Police Station have yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
About Holy Family Hospital Nyapea
Established in 1985 by the Catholic Church, Holy Family Hospital Nyapea is located in Nyapea Sub-County, Okoro County, Zombo District, under the Nebbi Catholic Diocese. It offers general medical and surgical services, as well as specialized HIV/AIDS care.
According to the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau, the hospital records, 16,106 outpatient visits annually, 5,662 admissions, with a bed occupancy rate of 34.8% and 1,194 maternal deliveries per year, with a C-section rate of 47.6%.
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