According to Kitgum District Police Commander, Superintendent of Police Peter Oyesigye, the mortuary attendant, Richard Okongo, was taken into custody after he refused to release the body of a deceased individual until he was paid his share of the fees.
Police in Kitgum have arrested a mortuary attendant at Kitgum General Hospital for allegedly demanding a bribe from the family of a deceased person.
According to Kitgum District Police Commander, Superintendent of Police Peter Oyesigye, the mortuary attendant, Richard Okongo, was taken into custody after he refused to release the body of a deceased individual until he was paid his share of the fees.
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Oyesigye explained that the deceased, an unidentified man, had died in a road accident in Palabek Gem Sub-county, Lamwo District. His body was brought to Kitgum General Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
"The family members of the deceased had reportedly paid a sum of UGX 250,000 to the doctors who conducted the post-mortem, but the mortuary attendant, Okongo, refused to release the body, demanding that he be given his share," Oyesigye said.
He added that the exact amount Okongo was demanding is still unclear. The mortuary attendant is currently detained at Kitgum Central Police Station while investigations are ongoing.
"We are still gathering information from both the hospital administration and the family members of the deceased to establish the facts of the case before taking further action," Oyesigye stated.
Oyesigye condemned the actions of both the mortuary attendant and the doctors, calling it unacceptable for them to demand a bribe from the family of the deceased.
"Doctors in public facilities are paid by the government, and it is unclear why they would ask for money for post-mortem services," he said. "We will thoroughly investigate this case and ensure justice is served."
The community has welcomed the mortuary attendant's arrest and expressed outrage at Okongo's alleged actions. "This is a shameful act, and we commend the police for taking action," said Joyce Oyella, the female councillor for Palabek Gem and Palabek Abera Sub-county in Lamwo District. "We hope this will serve as a warning to others who may be engaging in similar practices."
Opoka Denis
Freelancer