Written By | Joshua Nahamya
Dr James Mugume, MRRH Board Chairman presents integrity award to one of the cleaners Charles Begumisa during the board meeting
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MBARARA
The Management Board of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) has rewarded a hospital cleaner with a brand-new smartphone in recognition of his honesty and vigilance after he helped foil an alleged baby theft plot at the facility.
Charles Begumisa, a cleaner at the hospital, received the award from the Chairperson of the Hospital Management Board, Dr. James Mugume, during a board meeting held at the hospital.
Begumisa's actions led to the arrest of 35-year-old Ruth Tindimwebwa, who allegedly attempted to bribe him with UGX 1 million to help steal a baby boy from the hospital's maternity ward.
According to Begumisa, the incident occurred on July 15, 2025, at around 5:00 p.m. while he was on his way to dispose of rubbish at the hospital incinerator.
"She approached me and offered me UGX 1 million to help her steal a baby from the maternity ward," Begumisa recalled.
Instead of accepting the offer, he immediately informed a colleague before reporting the matter to hospital security officer Mr. Okello.
"We agreed that instead of arresting her immediately, I should call her and pretend to cooperate so that security could gather enough evidence," he said.
Begumisa later contacted the suspect, who was reportedly in the Surgical Ward, and told her he had identified a baby but required a deposit before handing the child over.
The two agreed to meet, and Tindimwebwa allegedly handed him UGX 160,000 as a deposit, promising to pay the remaining balance once the baby was secured.
The suspect then accompanied Begumisa around the hospital as they pretended to search for a baby in the maternity ward. According to Begumisa, she planned to remain at the hospital overnight until about 4:00 a.m., which he had suggested as the most suitable time to execute the plan.
Hospital security officers, working together with police, arrested the suspect between the Surgical Ward and the Adult Oncology Unit.
A search of her bag allegedly revealed baby clothes. She was taken to Mbarara Central Police Station, where a case of attempted child theft was registered. Police also recovered the cash deposit and Begumisa's mobile phone as exhibits.
According to hospital officials, Tindimwebwa has since appeared in court and was remanded to Mbarara Government Prison.
The Hospital Acting Director Dr Deus Twesigye says the hospital is nowunder surveillance to curtail all bad elements
Hospital applauds integrity
Speaking during the award ceremony, Board Chairperson Dr. James Mugume praised Begumisa for demonstrating exceptional integrity.
"It is important to have workers with such discipline and integrity while carrying out their duties. The country needs more people like him," Dr. Mugume said.
He added that protecting patients is a collective responsibility and commended hospital staff for remaining vigilant.
Dr. Deus Twesigye, Senior Consultant General Surgeon and Acting Senior Executive Consultant at the hospital, said Begumisa's actions prevented what could have been a devastating crime.
"We appreciate him for refusing to be used as a conduit for criminal activity. We have also strengthened surveillance within the hospital to curb similar incidents," Dr. Twesigye said.
He urged all hospital staff to strictly observe the institution's identification and uniform policy and to report suspicious individuals to security personnel immediately.
Dr. Peter Ssebutinde, the Mbarara District Health Officer and a member of the hospital board, described the recognition as an important gesture that would motivate other staff members to uphold integrity.
An emotional Begumisa described the award as "a dream come true" and pledged to continue serving the hospital with honesty and dedication.
Hospital strengthens security
Hospital officials said MRRH has significantly enhanced security through the installation of surveillance cameras, increased staff vigilance, and closer collaboration with security agencies.
As one of Uganda's busiest referral hospitals, receiving more than 30,000 patients every month, MRRH has also finalized plans to deploy additional security personnel while strengthening CCTV surveillance and internal monitoring systems.
The hospital has previously experienced several child theft incidents.
In one case reported in 2023, a newborn baby was allegedly taken by a person known to the family who claimed to be taking the infant for immunization. The baby was later found abandoned in Ruti and reunited with the mother, although the suspect was never arrested.
In another incident, a baby was reportedly stolen while the mother was taking a shower. The child was later recovered from a man who claimed to be the father.
Hospital officials said the recognition of Begumisa sends a strong message that integrity, vigilance and teamwork remain essential in protecting patients and combating crime within healthcare facilities.
