For three weeks, Joseph Tumwebaze has lain in a hospital bed at Mbarara regional referral hospital, his broken leg immobilised and his body still recovering from a violent attack.
He has no attendant.
“I was beaten by people who were later arrested,” he says quietly. “They broke my leg and injured my kidney.”
Court ordered his attackers to meet his medical costs. They brought him to the hospital and then disappeared. Since then, Tumwebaze has been alone. Across the wards, his situation is not unique.
Hospital officials say at least five patients are currently without caregivers, left to navigate illness, pain and recovery on their own. They include Benjamin Ali from Ruhoko in Ntungamo, Anthony Nyesiga from Mwizi, Janet Abakunzi from Kanyaryeru in Kiruhura, and Vincent Seruga from Singo.
In another ward lies 87-year-old Janet Abakunzi, who is unable to speak. For a week, she has remained in her bed without a known relative by her side, her condition and background largely unknown.
Health workers say such cases are becoming increasingly common. Alex Mbabazi, a senior medical social worker at the hospital, notes that patients without attendants often face a far more difficult path to recovery.
“These patients struggle with basic needs like feeding and personal hygiene,” he said. “Most of them are critically ill, and without support, their recovery is usually slow.”
Beyond the physical toll, Mbabazi warns of deeper psychological effects.
“The neglect leads to depression, worsens their conditions, and can trigger serious mental health challenges,” he said.
Many of the affected patients, he added, are already battling multiple complications, including septic wounds, fractures and non-communicable diseases. Hospital authorities say tracing relatives is often a challenge.
Halson Kagure, the hospital’s communications head, said they frequently rely on radio announcements and social media to help reconnect patients with their families, though success is not always guaranteed.
“Police bring in some patients after rescuing them from mob justice or picking them from the roadside,” Kagure said.
“Others are abandoned by relatives who feel overwhelmed, especially when recovery takes longer than expected.”
He called for greater community responsibility. “Families need to remain committed to their loved ones during difficult times,” he said. “
We also urge the police to follow up on the individuals they bring to the hospital.” Back in his ward, Tumwebaze continues to wait, hoping someone will return, or at least that his story will be heard
