By Steven Enatu
A laboratory technician at Kaberamaido General Hospital, Uche Gerald Erayu, finds himself in legal turmoil after being accused of using forged academic papers to secure his position. The Allied Health Professionals Council, the regulatory body for health laboratory technicians in Uganda, confirmed that Erayu is not registered with them, as revealed in a police report.
Erayu’s troubles began when a whistleblower alerted the Inspector General of Government, alleging that he had falsified documents to obtain his job. Subsequent investigations uncovered significant discrepancies in Erayu’s academic transcripts, certificate of registration, and annual practicing license.
In response to these findings, the Chief Administrative Officer of Kaberamaido District, Ddamba Henry, swiftly interdicted Erayu, citing serious concerns about his qualifications and the potential risk to public health. Erayu has since been charged with forgery under General Enquiry File GEF 07/2024.
The investigation has extended beyond Erayu to implicate four district officials: Eboku Damiano, the District Service Commission Chairperson; Ochen Peter, the Principal Human Resources Officer and Secretary of the District Service Commission; Atim Jerry, a Lab Technologist; and Erayu’s father, Joseph Esiru, who also serves as the Kaberamaido Hospital Administrator. All four were arrested to assist in the investigation but have since been released on police bond.
David Otabong, the District Police Commander, stated that the case file for the four officials will be forwarded to the state attorney for legal guidance on the appropriate charges. Additionally, police will verify Erayu’s academic credentials by investigating his alleged attendance at Nalya and Makerere Paramedical Schools.
This incident has sparked widespread concern about the authenticity of qualifications within Uganda’s healthcare sector, raising alarms about the potential risks to public health posed by unqualified professionals. The Registrar of the Allied Health Professionals Council, who is currently in Kenya, is expected to return and assist in the ongoing investigation.
The case has ignited outrage among healthcare professionals, who argue that forged documents undermine the integrity of the healthcare system and put patients’ lives at grave risk. The incident underscores the urgent need for stricter verification processes to ensure that only qualified professionals are entrusted with the responsibility of caring for patients.