Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi has spoken out against corruption in Uganda’s health facilities, expressing concern over health workers who demand money from patients seeking medical treatment. During a fact-finding visit to Kapchorwa Main Hospital, the minister questioned why medical workers would ask poor patients for extra payments before providing services that should be accessible to them.
“I hate to see health workers being handcuffed for asking patients for money, kitu kidogo. How can you ask for money from a poor patient?” Baryomunsi said during the visit. His remarks have drawn attention to the persistent concerns surrounding informal payments in public health facilities.
The minister’s comments come amid complaints from some Ugandans who say they are sometimes asked to pay extra money to access treatment, medicines or other services in government hospitals. Such demands can place an additional burden on families who already struggle to afford transport, food and other costs associated with seeking medical care.
Baryomunsi’s remarks also highlighted the difficult position of patients who arrive at hospitals in emergencies or with serious illnesses. For people with limited financial resources, being asked for unofficial payments can delay treatment and increase their distress at a time when they are most vulnerable.
The phrase “kitu kidogo,” commonly used to refer to a small payment or bribe, has become associated with allegations of informal payments in different public service settings. In healthcare, such demands raise concerns about fairness, accountability and whether patients are receiving services without discrimination based on their ability to pay.
The minister’s statement also puts the spotlight on the responsibility of hospital administrators to supervise staff and ensure that patients are treated professionally. Clear procedures for reporting corruption, transparent management of hospital resources and effective investigations can help authorities identify wrongdoing and protect patients from exploitation.
At the same time, allegations against health workers need to be investigated fairly, with evidence establishing whether a payment was demanded improperly. Health workers also operate under difficult conditions in some facilities, including shortages of medicines, equipment and other essential supplies, but such challenges do not justify demanding unofficial payments from patients.
Baryomunsi’s remarks at Kapchorwa Main Hospital have renewed the debate over corruption in Uganda’s healthcare system and the need to protect people seeking treatment. The challenge for health authorities is to ensure that patients can report demands for money safely, that allegations are investigated promptly and that appropriate action is taken against anyone found responsible for misconduct.
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