A late-night security raid has exposed a syndicate of "ghost" workers siphoning payroll funds at Mbale District's largest medical facility.
The unannounced sting operation took place at 3:00 a.m. at Busiu Health Centre IV.
Minister of Local Government Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi led the joint security operation. The raid team included the Regional Internal Security Organization Chief and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.
Representatives from the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the District Internal Security Officer also participated.
Investigators uncovered five ghost staff members on the government payroll during the sweep.
According to Minister Balaam, the inactive personnel had reportedly been drawing government salaries since July 2025 despite never working at the facility.
This brings the total number of ghost staff uncovered to 10 across just two inspected health centers in Mbale.
The Minister expressed deep concern over the impact of this payroll fraud on overloaded medical personnel.
"It is deeply disturbing that while the available medical team is overwhelmed by the huge number of patients, corrupt individuals continue to siphoning resources intended to strengthen healthcare service delivery," Balaam said.
The minister linked the healthcare payroll rot to similar corruption rings operating in public schools through ghost students.
He warned that the government will continue to launch spontaneous audits to weed out thieves.
"Every shilling stolen from the public is a shilling taken away from essential services for our people," Balaam added.
The minister urged corrupt local government officials to repent and change their ways.
Authorities have initiated criminal investigations to identify the administrators who authorized the fraudulent salary payments.
