GULU CITY — Police in Gulu City are investigating a major theft scandal involving a vehicle belonging to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital after a staff member attached to the USAID Uganda Health Activity (USAID-UHA) allegedly confessed to stealing and selling the car in neighboring Kenya.
The suspect, a 40-year-old Ugandan male whose identity has not yet been publicly disclosed by authorities, was arrested over the weekend shortly after returning from Karenga District. According to highly placed hospital sources, he reportedly admitted to stealing the hospital’s Toyota Prado hard body, registration number UBE 639F, which is estimated to be worth approximately UGX 150 million.
Hospital management revealed that the vehicle went missing on February 10, 2026, from the hospital’s parking yard under circumstances that initially puzzled administrators and security personnel. However, investigations took a significant turn after security teams reviewed closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the night of the theft.
According to officials familiar with the investigation, the footage shows a man wearing a cap and black jacket entering the hospital premises at around 8:20 p.m. before approaching the vehicle and driving it away. The footage reportedly played a key role in identifying the suspect.
Further details emerged through a confidential whistleblower within the hospital who provided information suggesting the stolen vehicle was quickly transported across the border into Kenya. It is alleged that the Prado was sold in Turkana County for approximately UGX 45 million — less than one-third of its estimated value — shortly after it was stolen.
Sources say the suspect’s alleged confession came during an emergency meeting convened on Tuesday at the hospital. The meeting brought together police detectives, Gulu Regional Referral Hospital management, and security personnel from USAID-UHA. During the session, the suspect was reportedly taken back to the crime scene, where he allegedly admitted involvement in the theft.
David Ongom Mudong, the Aswa West Region Police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest and ongoing investigations. He stated that detectives are compiling evidence and verifying key details, including cross-border aspects of the alleged sale.
“Once investigations are completed, the suspect’s file will be forwarded to the Resident State Attorney for legal review before he is formally charged in court,” Ongom said.
The incident has raised serious concerns about internal security systems at the hospital, particularly regarding the safety of government and donor-funded assets. Hospital administrators are now reportedly reviewing security protocols, including access controls, vehicle tracking mechanisms, and surveillance coverage.
Officials also expressed worry about the broader implications of the case, noting that the stolen vehicle was used to support health service delivery programs in the region. Its loss temporarily disrupted some hospital outreach activities.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, including efforts to trace the vehicle’s current location and determine whether other individuals were involved in the alleged cross-border transaction.
Police have urged members of the public with relevant information to cooperate with investigators as they work to conclude the case and ensure accountability.
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