A staff member from Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, along with two community members, has been arrested in connection with the theft of a gas cylinder. The suspects, Jonathan Emesu and Stephen Esiau, were caught by police while transporting a large, oxygen-filled cylinder on a bicycle towards Hyde Park on the Soroti-Moroto Road.
Following an inventory check at the hospital, a missing 20L gas cylinder was identified, leading to the arrest of the hospital’s plant manager, Aaron Engwaru. The East Kyoga police spokesperson confirmed that the three individuals are in custody to assist with investigations.
The hospital’s principal administrator stated that Jorem Okiria has taken over responsibility for the oxygen plant, and all personnel in charge have been instructed to coordinate with him to ensure adequate oxygen supply at the hospital.
The hospital director condemned the theft and revealed that police had noticed the suspects during a night patrol. The individuals attempted to escape but were apprehended after a short pursuit.
The theft of the gas cylinder would have left the hospital with a stock of 450 cylinders, both 50L and 20L varieties.