By Eumu Emmanuel
The Allied Health Professionals Council testified today in the Kaberamaido Grade One Magistrate Court against Charles Dickens Okello, a laboratory technician at Aperkira Health Center III. Okello was arrested last year on October 22, 2024, for allegedly using forged academic documents.
Mr. Okello was arrested in an operation led by Mr. Mubiru Michael Kayiszi, a Quality Assurance Manager at the Allied Health Professionals Council, with assistance from the police at Kaberamaido Central Police Station. Okello was arraigned in court on November 7, 2024, facing two charges: practicing medicine for gain while not registered with the professional council, and uttering forged academic transcripts and a practicing license.
According to Mr. Mubiru, the council received a tip-off from community members and district leaders about Okello’s alleged forgery. Despite being attached to Aperkira Health Center III under the Kaberamaido District Local Government Health Department, Okello had failed to register with the Allied Health Professionals Council.
It was revealed that Okello had received five retakes in his exams and was operating illegally, putting patients’ lives at risk. Mr. Mubiru stated that his mandate is to ensure that individuals practicing medicine in Uganda, whether in government or private facilities, are properly qualified, registered, and licensed.
Mr. Mubiru emphasized that he will continue to monitor and intercept individuals working as Allied Health professionals without licenses or valid documents. Last year, he visited two health facilities in Eastern Uganda, including Kaberamaido, and reported non-compliant individuals.
Okello’s case is still pending prosecution, and Mr. Mubiru testified against him in court today. Reports indicate that Okello has served as a lab technician in the Kaberamaido Health Department for over 24 years using falsified credentials.
