An assistant nursing officer, John Bosco Otim, has been remanded to prison after being charged with illegally practising medicine, performing an unauthorised surgical procedure and committing a negligent act likely to spread infection.
Otim appeared before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court, where the charges were read to him by Chief Magistrate Ritah Neube Kidasa. He denied all allegations.
The magistrate ordered that he be remanded until March 2, when the case will return to court for mention as investigations continue.
Prosecution Allegations
Prosecutors told the court that Otim allegedly worked at Atutur General Hospital in Kumi District for several years without a valid practising licence.
The state claims he has been carrying out medical duties since 2014 without authorisation from the relevant professional regulatory bodies.
The court heard that on April 30, 2025, Otim allegedly performed a surgical procedure on a patient in a room that was neither sterile nor officially designated for surgery, exposing the patient to a high risk of infection.
Prosecution said the alleged actions breached medical safety standards and posed a threat to public health.
Investigation and Arrest
The prosecution said the case followed investigations by the State House Health Monitoring Unit, which reportedly uncovered irregularities regarding Otim’s qualifications and scope of practice during routine oversight activities.
Authorities said inquiries are still ongoing and that additional witnesses and expert evidence may be presented as the case progresses.
Wider Concerns
The case has reignited concerns about regulation and supervision in public health facilities, especially in rural areas where staffing shortages and limited oversight may create loopholes for unlicensed practice.
Otim is expected to return to court on March 2 for further mention of the case.
