KAMPALA – Hon. Dr. Emely Kugonza, the Member of Parliament representing Buyanja East County in Kibaale District, has questioned officials of Kiruddu National Referral Hospital over disputed financial accounts and charges imposed on patients during a meeting of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) at Parliament on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Kugonza raised concern over what appeared to be contradictions between the financial information presented to the committee and the position taken by the hospital’s Accounting Officer, who reportedly disputed figures contained in accounts he had signed.
The legislator questioned the credibility of the financial records, arguing that such contradictions undermined the committee’s work and raised concerns about whether the accounts under examination could be relied upon.
He further challenged the committee’s continued examination of the particular accounts, questioning why members should proceed with figures that the Accounting Officer himself appeared to be disowning.
Turning to the issue of patient charges, Kugonza questioned the hospital management over fees collected for services at the government facility, seeking clarification on whether the charges were authorised under guidance from the Ministry of Health.
He asked the hospital officials to provide a comprehensive list of services for which patients are required to pay, together with the respective rates, to enable Parliament establish the basis of the charges.
Kugonza warned that a lack of transparency over hospital charges could expose patients to exploitation, particularly where government policies on free and paid services are not clearly communicated to the public.
He emphasised the importance of making the charging structure clear to patients so that members of the public are not misled or subjected to payments that are inconsistent with government policy.
His intervention highlighted the need for transparency in the management of public hospital finances and accountability in the delivery of healthcare services as the committee scrutinised Kiruddu National Referral Hospital’s financial and operational practices.
