Dr. Baluku has reportedly been arrested at Kiryandongo General Hospital over allegations involving Shs150,000 in a case that has sparked debate about corruption in healthcare and the safety of patients during medical procedures.
A video circulating from the incident shows the doctor pleading for an opportunity to finish attending to a patient before being taken away. The patient appeared to require urgent medical attention, although the exact nature of the procedure and the patient’s condition have not been independently established.
The footage also shows a scuffle during which Dr. Baluku appears to surrender cash. The circumstances surrounding the money, including the precise allegations against him, are expected to be addressed through the relevant investigative and legal processes.
The arrest reportedly followed a visit to the hospital by Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara, who had received complaints about alleged extortion and unofficial charges imposed on patients. Among the concerns raised were claims that patients were being asked to pay extra money for services such as X-rays.
The incident has raised fresh questions about the financial demands patients face when seeking treatment at public health facilities. For families already struggling to meet medical expenses, allegations of unofficial payments can deepen anxiety and make access to healthcare more difficult.
However, the circumstances of the arrest have also drawn criticism from some medical professionals, who have expressed concern about interrupting a procedure before a patient has been safely handed over to another qualified health worker. They argue that any intervention inside a treatment area must take account of patient safety and sterile conditions.
Others have stressed that allegations of demanding illegal payments from patients should be investigated and, where proven, dealt with through appropriate disciplinary and legal action. They say accountability is important, but it should be pursued in a way that does not expose patients to avoidable medical risks.
The case has therefore brought two important concerns into focus: the need to protect patients from alleged extortion and the responsibility to ensure continuity of care during medical emergencies. The allegations against Dr. Baluku remain subject to investigation, and the full circumstances surrounding his arrest and the Shs150,000 will need to be established.
