Dr. Byarugaba Baterana, the former executive director of Mulago Hospital, has not returned to his duties despite the Health ministry’s decision to lift his interdiction two months ago.
Mr. Emmanuel Ainebyoona, the spokesperson for the Ministry, confirmed that they are still awaiting communication from the Health Service Commission, which is responsible for his appointment.
In a letter dated June 21, the Ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine, announced the lifting of Dr. Byarugaba’s interdiction. She stated that he would be reinstated with full pay and that he could “assume duties” once the Health Service Commission acknowledged the interdiction’s lifting.
The position of director at a national referral hospital earns a monthly salary of Shs15 million, as per information from the Ministry of Public Service.
Prof. Pius Okong, the chairperson of the Health Service Commission, clarified that while they noted the lifting of the interdiction, the process involves more than just their part.
Dr. Byarugaba had been interdicted in March the previous year following his arrest by the State House Health Monitoring Unit over allegations of abuse of office, embezzlement, financial loss, and fraudulent false accounting.
He was also implicated in multi-billion shillings accounting scandals in September that year, involving approximately Shs28.8 billion, according to investigators at the State House Health Monitoring Unit.
During his interdiction, Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, the deputy executive director, assumed the role of acting executive director.
Dr. Warren Namara, the head of the State House Health Monitoring Unit, indicated that Dr. Byarugaba’s return to Mulago Hospital was unlikely due to ongoing investigations. He expressed concerns about potential interference in the investigation process.
He stated, “I don’t foresee such a situation [of his return]. I would complain about it because it would make my work difficult. I am not against the lifting of the interdiction, but I am against reassigning him back to his position.”
Dr. Atwine, the Health Ministry official who lifted the interdiction, has not been available for comments. Mr. Ainebyoona reiterated that they await instructions from the appointing authority for their next steps.
Dr. Namara explained that the investigations involving Dr. Byarugaba are in coordination with various governmental bodies, including the police, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, and the Anti-corruption unit.
Section F-s (15) of the Uganda Public Service standing order 2021, under which the interdiction was lifted, indicates that if an investigation cannot be concluded within six months, the interdiction may be lifted with the condition that the matter will be revisited upon the presentation of further evidence by investigating bodies.
