2 police officers arrested for drinking while on duty in Agago

11 April 2025, 9:40 AM

By David Ojok Jr.

The troubling trend of public servants reporting to work under the influence of alcohol is intensifying in northern Uganda, sparking outrage from the public and leaders alike.

This week, a clinical officer at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital was arrested after being found heavily intoxicated while on duty. The hospital director, Dr Patrick Banya, confirmed the incident, saying he received a tip-off and personally found the officer unable to perform his duties while patients waited for medical attention. “We cannot tolerate such reckless behavior in our health system. Patients’ lives are at stake,” Dr Banya stated.

The incident has sent shockwaves across the region, especially coming just days after two police officers in Kot Omor subcounty, Agago district, were similarly arrested for being drunk while on duty. Sergeant Christopher Onega, the officer in charge of Kotomor Police Post, and Police Constable Oscar Okello were arrested by the Agago Resident District Commissioner, James Nabinson Kidega, during a community baraza on service delivery involving stakeholders, local residents, and the police.

They were apprehended following community reports that they were visibly intoxicated while in uniform and unable to respond to their responsibilities.

Leaders from Agago district have expressed strong condemnation of this growing trend, warning that it not only puts lives at risk but also erodes public trust in essential services.

Benna Achuma, the female councilor for Adilang subcounty and secretary for health and education in Agago, said, “This is shameful and dangerous. If those entrusted to protect and serve the community are drunk while on duty, then who will the people rely on? We must take stronger disciplinary measures.”

Dr. Angeyo Samantha Grace, the officer in charge of Patongo Health Centre IV, also voiced concern: “Alcohol abuse among public servants is a serious threat to service delivery. We urge supervisors and responsible officers to act decisively. Discipline must be restored.”

Adong Florence, programme manager at BasicNeeds UK in Uganda, which supports mental health in Agago, added a mental health perspective to the issue: “Alcoholism is a public health issue. While disciplinary actions are necessary, these individuals also need help. We must ensure that systems are in place to support rehabilitation while holding workers accountable.”

Community leaders and civil society organisations are now calling for routine screenings, stronger enforcement of workplace conduct policies, and counselling support to address alcohol addiction among workers, particularly in sectors critical to public safety and health.