A 32-year-old male enrolled nurse has been charged with two counts of impersonation and practising without a valid licence, contrary to the Allied Health Professionals Act, Cap 296.
The accused, Richard Malinga, a resident of Campswahili Cell in Soroti City East Division, appeared before Grade One Magistrate Apollo Kibirige Kasujja on Wednesday evening at around 5:50 p.m.
According to the prosecution, Malinga and others still at large allegedly operated as laboratory technicians without registration under the Allied Health Professionals Council.
The offences were reportedly committed on June 19, 2025, at Campswahili Cell B, Campswahili Ward in Soroti City East.
“It is alleged that you, Malinga, on the 19th day of June 2025, engaged yourself in private practice as an enrolled nurse without a practising licence under the Allied Health Professionals,” Magistrate Kasujja stated while reading the charges.
On the second count, the prosecution contends that Malinga unlawfully operated a health practice without the required authorisation from the Allied Health Professionals Council.
Both offences fall under Section 54 (1) & (2) of the Allied Health Professionals Act, which prohibits unregistered or unlicensed individuals from offering medical services.
During the court session, Morris Okwi, a journalist with Uganda Radio Network (URN) and one of the witnesses, raised concern that initial reports to police included an assault charge, which was missing from the final charge sheet presented in court.
In response, Magistrate Kasujja clarified that the court was bound to handle only the charges formally sanctioned by the prosecution.
He further reminded all parties that the accused remained presumed innocent until proven guilty in a competent court of law.
Malinga, who pleaded not guilty to both counts, was granted bail on a non-cash bond of Shs 1 million, with three sureties each bonded at Shs 1 million. The case has been adjourned pending further investigations.
Authorities have in recent months intensified crackdowns on unlicensed health workers across the country, citing growing concerns over patient safety and professional malpractice.
The Allied Health Professionals Council continues to urge the public to verify the credentials of medical practitioners before seeking services.
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