ICT expert arrested over claiming Lira Hospital overflowing with corpses
A general view of a section of Lira Regional Referral Hospital emergency unit at the Outpatient Department OPD. PHOTO/PATRICK EBONG
What you need to know:
- Lira City is currently experiencing heightened political tensions ahead of the 2026 elections.
A 40-year-old ICT expert has been arrested in Lira City over allegations of writing and circulating harmful WhatsApp messages claiming that the Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH) mortuary is overcrowded with bodies of patients who died due to negligence, including by the Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng.
Tom Ayeny was apprehended on March 7, 2025, and detained at Lira City Central Police Station following a complaint by Peter Okello Odeke, the hospital’s Principal Administrator.
According to police, Ayeny allegedly posted a message on WhatsApp accusing the hospital of failing patients, inciting public outrage, and attempting to tarnish the image of the government facility.
“The suspect went ahead and attacked Aceng, claiming that 10,000 sick people cannot wait for her medical camp. This message was intended to undermine and discredit government efforts to provide quality healthcare,” said SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson.
Following the complaint, police cybercrime detectives traced the phone number used to circulate the messages, which led them to Ayeny’s residence in Central Park Cell, Lira City East Division. He was subsequently arrested and is now under detention as investigations continue.
Authorities are compiling his case file for submission to the Resident City State Attorney (RCSA) for legal review and potential charges.
“Preliminary findings suggest the suspect may have been used by certain individuals for political purposes,” Okema added.
“We strongly warn others against engaging in similar actions,” he told journalists.
Lira City is currently experiencing heightened political tensions ahead of the 2026 elections.
Dr Aceng, the incumbent Lira City Woman Member of Parliament (MP) under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, is set to face off against Oyam South MP Betty Amongi of the opposition Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).
Amongi, also the Minister of Labour and Gender, is married to UPC party president Jimmy Akena and has declared her candidacy for the Lira City Woman MP seat.
