Mbarara Regional Hospital moves to resettle people stranded at hospital premises
Authorities at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital have commenced the process of resettling at least 16 people who have been stranded at the hospital premises to their respective homes.
The hospital administration revealed that the Social Work Department had spent some time tracing for the relatives in vain.
Maria Naturinda, 21, is one of the abandoned persons who has been resettled with Kkottongnea. She came to the hospital as a patient after being discharged, she didn’t go home.
Kkottongnea is a Korean international organization founded by Father John Oh, a Korean devoted priest in 1976 and focuses on welfare, happiness, education and love for the less unfortunate.
The organization also has a branch in Kiruhura and has since 2018 taken over 30 homeless people and four children.
Halson Kagure, the Public Relations Officer Mbarara Referral Hospital revealed that handing over unclaimed people to well-wishers follows established procedures.
Kagure further told media that the resettlement exercise will go on until the hospital is free from the destitute.
Muhirwa Muhammed is another man who was stranded at the hospital and was delivered to the relatives yesterday.
Relatedly, detectives recently rounded up one Ronald Ahuriire who was disguising as a destitute after escaping from Kakiika prison.
According to authorities, some homeless people not only pose a security threat but also disturb those still receiving treatment since they need caretakers.
The hospital social workers say that they also face the challenge of burial arrangements in case one dies without established residency.
Kagure has also urged the nongovernmental organizations, church, governmental institutions and leaders at various levels to double up efforts in sensitizing communities about human rights.
