By Eumu Emmanuel
Kaberamaido, Uganda — The Kaberamaido police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the recruitment of Gerald Erayu, a 27-year-old lab technician, amidst allegations of professional misconduct and potential fraud.
Concerns have been raised by patients and medical professionals about Erayu’s work, where he has reportedly issued incorrect diagnoses. Patients who initially tested negative under his assessment later tested positive, prompting an inquiry into his hiring process. Erayu has been employed at Kaberamaido Hospital for four years.
District Police Commander SP David Otabong confirmed the arrest of several administrators, including Eboku Damiano, District Service Commission Chairperson; Ocen Peter, Principal Human Resources Officer and Secretary of the District Service Commission; and Atim Jerry, the lab technologist in charge. The trio, along with the prime suspect, Erayu, have been released on police bond.
Additionally, Joseph Esiru, the Kaberamaido Hospital administrator and father of Gerald Erayu, was arrested and is currently detained at Kaberamaido Central Police Station.
The investigation, led by SP Otabong and aided by allied health professionals, aims to verify Erayu’s academic qualifications to determine if he meets the necessary requirements for his position. Police are also exploring possible collusion in the recruitment process.
Reliable sources indicate that Atim Jerry was appointed as the in-charge lab technologist without the position being advertised, bypassing normal procedures. Despite holding a degree in lab technology, more qualified and senior candidates were overlooked. During Erayu’s recruitment on February 11, 2022, Jerry, serving as the technical person in charge, recommended Erayu as the best candidate despite his lack of proper qualifications. Erayu was arrested on July 24, 2024.
The case has been officially registered at Kaberamaido Central Police Station under GEF 07/2024.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover the full extent of the irregularities and ensure accountability within the district’s health sector.