A 32-year-old male enrolled nurse has been charged with two counts of impersonation and practising without a valid licence, contrary to the provisions of the Allied Health Professionals Act, Cap 296.
The accused, Richard Malinga, a resident of Campswahili Cell in Soroti City East Division, appeared before Grade One Magistrate Apollo Kibirige Kasujja on Wednesday evening, at approximately 5:50 p.m., to answer the charges brought against him.
According to the prosecution, Malinga, together with others still at large, is alleged to have operated as a laboratory technician without having been duly registered under the Allied Health Professionals Council. The offences in question were reportedly committed on June 19, 2025, at Campswahili Cell B, located in Campswahili Ward within Soroti City East Division.
“It is alleged that you, Malinga, on the 19th day of June 2025, engaged yourself in private practice as an enrolled nurse without a practising licence under the Allied Health Professionals,” Magistrate Kasujja stated while formally reading the charges in open court.
On the second count, the prosecution further asserts that Malinga unlawfully conducted a health practice without the mandatory authorisation from the Allied Health Professionals Council, in violation of the governing legal framework.
Both charges fall under Section 54 (1) and (2) of the Allied Health Professionals Act, which strictly prohibits any unregistered or unlicensed individuals from providing medical or allied health services to the public.
During the court proceedings, Morris Okwi, a journalist affiliated with the Uganda Radio Network (URN) and one of the prosecution witnesses, expressed concern that earlier reports submitted to police had included an assault charge, which, notably, was absent from the final charge sheet presented before the court. In response, Magistrate Kasujja clarified that the court could only proceed on charges that had been formally sanctioned and submitted by the prosecution.
He went on to emphasize that, in accordance with the principles of natural justice and the rule of law, the accused remained presumed innocent until proven guilty in a competent court of law.
Malinga, who denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to both counts, was granted bail on a non-cash bond of Shs 1 million. Additionally, three sureties were each bonded at Shs 1 million to secure his release. The case has since been adjourned to allow time for further investigations into the matter.
Authorities have in recent months intensified nationwide crackdowns on unlicensed health practitioners, citing increasing concerns over patient safety, rising cases of malpractice, and the urgent need to uphold professional standards within the country’s healthcare system.
SOURCE: TNN
