Management of Kyenjojo District and Kyenjojo General Hospital has strongly refuted allegations circulating on social media accusing the facility and its staff of mismanaging a patient and extorting money from the family of a mother who recently passed away at the hospital.

The claims, which began spreading earlier this week through community WhatsApp groups and TikTok posts, alleged that the deceased mother was neglected while under care and that her attendants were asked to pay unauthorized fees before she could receive treatment.The incident sparked public outcry online, with some social media users alleging mismanagement of the patient and claiming that hospital staff solicited money from the family before providing care.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, the hospital administration described the accusations as “false, misleading, and unfounded,” insisting that the patient received appropriate medical attention in line with established clinical guidelines.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family during this painful time,” the statement read. “However, we categorically refute claims that the patient was neglected or that any member of staff engaged in extortion.”

According to hospital management, the patient was admitted at Kyenjojo Hospital with referral from Kasamba Health Centre, and was promptly assessed by qualified health personnel. The medical team reportedly instituted the necessary emergency interventions within the facility’s capacity. Despite these efforts, her condition deteriorated due to complications, and unfortunately passed on shortly after after the operation.

Sources at the hospital indicated that the patient had presented with severe underlying medical challenges, which required urgent and intensive management. Officials emphasized that all standard procedures were followed and that the care provided met professional standards expected of a public health facility.

On allegations of extortion, the hospital clarified that it operates under government guidelines and does not authorize staff to demand any payments. Management stated that all services are completely free of charge, and urged anyone with evidence of extortion to come forward to help in apprehending the so-claimed perpetrators.

“All services at Kyenjojo Hospital are free, provided at no cost” the statement noted, adding that preliminary findings have found no evidence to support claims that staff demanded any payments, or solicited any money from the said mother or her attendants.

The hospital has since instituted an internal review to re-examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Administrators say they are prepared to cooperate with any independent investigations by relevant authorities to ensure transparency and accountability.

Health sector stakeholders in Kyenjojo District have called for calm as the matter is reviewed, urging the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could damage reputations and erode trust in public health services.

Kyenjojo Hospital serves thousands of patients annually from Kyenjojo and neighboring districts of Kagadi, Kibaale, Kabarole, and Kamwenge, and remains one of the key public referral facilities in the area.

Hospital management reaffirmed its commitment to providing professional, ethical, and compassionate quality healthcare services to the community of Kyenjojo and beyond, noting that patient safety and dignity remain its top priorities, and an internal review has been conducted and that they remain open to any independent investigations to ensure transparency and accountability.

As investigations and audits continue in accordance with national health policies, district leaders maintain that professional standards were followed and that no evidence has emerged to substantiate claims of negligence or extortion in this case.