How NSSF Boss, Birungi, UNMU fradulently sold Mulago Hospital land to First Pharmacy

In 2017, nurses and midwives under the nurses and midwives union called for a nationwide industrial action against low pay.

The strike was meant to put the government on notice to increase and improve salaries and wages of the nurses. 

At the time, they claimed they performed the most duties in Health and Medical facilities across the country. 

“When patients are sick, we are there. When mothers come to deliver, we are here. When doctors need support, we are on call! Unfortunately, even with this kind of work, we are least paid in the Health Service System.” One of the nurses said in a call for industrial action. 

Several other employees in the Health Service System like doctors had called for industrial action, threatened service delivery and were invited by the President to renegotiate salary increment.

 
So were the nurses. On the night of  December 4th 2017, the leadership of the nurses and midwives union was invited at State House – Entebbe for a meeting with the Head of State. 

A member of the Union who spoke to Entebbe Post on condition of anonymity said, in a meeting attended by a number of technocrats from the Ministry of Health, the President promised to offer salary increments to health workers in a gradual manner. 

Also, the nurses and midwives, led by their President also asked to be allocated a piece of land at the Mulago National Referral hospital where they would set up a university for nurses to get specialized training in different courses. 

The land would move along in helping the set up of hostels, a canteen and offices aimed at improving the welfare of nurses and midwives. 

Later, the President, while presiding over the International nurses day in Kyamate, Ntungamo, he directed that the Ministry of Health to earmark for the union. 

Later, the Ministry, in Liaison with the then Executive Director of the National Referral Hospital Byarugaba Baterana, a 42 decimal piece of land was allocated to the Nurses and Midwives Union, annex to Shell Petrol Station in total disregard of the Management and Approval of the Board at MNRH. 

In 2019, a premium of Ugx 190 million was paid to the Uganda Land Commission, following a leasehold offer for plot 2 – 10, kira Road, from the nurses and midwives union.

Also, Ugx 9.5 million was paid for a year as ground rent. Also, Ugx 6.6 million was paid as Stamp duty to the Uganda Revenue Authority under TIN Number 1000198499. 

Even without waiting, a third party paid Ugx 665,500,000 million to Uganda Nurses Union, leasinging the same plots 2 – 10 of land. 

The Uganda Land Commission later offered clearance, a lease to a third party, First Pharmacy Uganda Limited said to be owned by a high profile family and a city tycoon.

A certificate of title was immediately issued by the Registrar of Titles by January 7th 2020 and a Sub lease hold title to First Pharmacy who are first constructing a storied building in the piece of Land. 

Highly placed sources at the Union told this website that well as the land sale between First Pharmacy and the Union was Ugx 1.9 billion, only Ugx 665 million was surrendered to the Union while the rest was allegedly shared amongst the President of the Union Justus Kiplangat, the Treasurer Annet Birungi and Dr Baterana who had disregarded the hospital management and board to offer land to land to the Union, “and with no back and forth information sharing with the Ministry of Health and State House,” the source said. 

Upon receiving money, the Nurses and Midwives Union was instead lured into purchasing a much cheaper piece of land along Gayaza road. 

“The rest of the money was eaten, shared among the different stakeholders who involved themselves in the deal.” The source added. 

At that time, Ms Annet Birungi was heading for polls, contesting as a workers MP. A source close to the now board member of the National Social Security Fund told this website that, upon receiving her share, Birungi allegedly said she would buy out several union leaders to win the election. 

However, she failed the race to become MP for the workers. “She later fought hard, with Usher Wilson Owere and Sam Lyomoki on a gender card to win hearts and minds and was appointed a board member of the National Social Security Fund by the line minister,” one of Birungi’s assistants told this website. 

No sooner had she taken over roles as a board member of the NSSF than several nurses, also members of the Union started investigating circumstances under which land offered to them by the President had been sold out without accountability. 

A high profile private investigations firm was picked in Kampala and started investigations. As the President and Treasurer of the Union were not informed about the investigations, the security firm found mischievous plots by the President and Treasurer of the Union. 

A copy of the report which Entebbe Post has seen was also offered to several government security agencies to further follow up on the matter. 

The nurses and midwives now want the Inspectorate of Government to immediately expedite investigations into the fraud and help find justice for the Union. 

“Imagine, how can we now return to the President, seeking more help when our leaders are this greedy?” A midwife asked, in an interview with this website.

When contacted for a comment, the treasurer of the Union Annet Birungi refused to pick our repeated calls. 

Also, efforts to reach her on WhatsApp remained futile as messages sent on her WhatsApp number remained un responded despite being seen. 

The former director of the National Referral Hospital – Mulago, Dr. Byarugaba Baterana directed journalists to speak to the Nurses and Midwives President and treasurer when asked about the matter. 
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