Justice Irene K Mulyagonja, a senior judge of the Constitutional Court, has strongly condemned the care her late husband, John Bosco Kazoora, received at Mulago Hospital, attributing part of the responsibility for his passing to the hospital staff. Kazoora succumbed to a prolonged illness on Saturday, May 17.
During a speech at Rubaga Cathedral on Wednesday, Mulyagonja expressed deep frustration and distress over their experience in Mulago’s Ward 6B, which is supposed to be the hospital’s top-tier facility.
“We were admitted to Ward 6B, supposedly the best available,” she stated, “but based on what I witnessed and endured, there is nothing truly specialised or referral-worthy left of Mulago.”
She detailed the unavailability of essential medical supplies, including insulin and a nasogastric (NG) tube. “The so-called national specialised referral hospital couldn’t even provide a single dose of insulin when my husband needed it most.”
She also condemned the prolonged wait for a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test, noting that it took 24 hours when it typically requires less than 30 minutes elsewhere. “The experiences I endured in those few days were so overwhelming that I could easily write a book about them.”
A difficult journey through multiple hospitals and rising expenses Before being admitted to Mulago, Kazoora received treatment at Ian Clarke Hospital in Kisugu and later at Nsambya Hospital, where church leaders provided support to the family. However, the increasing medical costs necessitated a move to Mulago in search of quality yet affordable care.
Unfortunately, their struggles only intensified, ultimately leading to another transfer to Mukwaya General Hospital, where Kazoora passed away. Reflecting on the hardship, Mulyagonja spoke of the indignity she endured despite her position: “I’m a Judge, and I couldn’t keep moving from one hospital to another, seeking financial assistance. It was deeply humiliating.”
A call for urgent healthcare reform and public awareness Mulyagonja’s candid account has resonated widely, garnering significant support. She emphasized, “If you remain silent about this, you would be betraying John, who dedicated himself to fighting for the rights of others.”
MPs Richard Ssebamala and Richard Lumu praised her bravery, emphasizing the need for the government to prioritize healthcare funding. Ssebamala remarked, “Everyone is vulnerable to the inefficiencies in our public health system,” while Lumu stressed the importance of sustained advocacy for better medical services. Mulyagonja’s words serve as a compelling call to address Uganda’s pressing healthcare challenges.
