Journal
Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research
MJAMR
Analyzing the Impact Of Investigative Journalism On Health Care Policies In Government Hospitals. A Case Study Of Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Mujjukira Zeverio, Wamimbi Denis
| Journal | Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research (MJAMR) |
| Volume / Issue | Vol. 5, No. 4 |
| Published | 30 April 2026 |
| ISSN | 3006-4384 |
Abstract
This study examined the role of investigative journalism in exposing malpractice and influencing healthcare policy in Uganda’s public health sector, with a specific focus on Mulago Hospital. The study was guided by three objectives: to examine the nature and scope of investigative journalism at Mulago Hospital, to assess the influence of investigative journalism on policy formulation and implementation, and to identify the challenges limiting the effectiveness of investigative journalism in influencing healthcare policies. A qualitative research approach was used, and primary data were collected in 2025 from journalists, health workers, and hospital administrators. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis in which responses were coded and organized into key themes. Findings revealed that investigative journalism at Mulago Hospital consistently uncovered systemic problems affecting service delivery and accountability. Three major themes emerged regarding the nature and scope of investigative reporting: corruption and misuse of funds, negligence and poor service delivery, and infrastructure breakdown and drug stockouts. The study found that patients were frequently asked to pay illegal fees for services and medicines that were supposed to be free, indicating widespread corruption and diversion of public resources. Investigations also revealed persistent negligence among health workers, including absenteeism, delayed treatment, and poor supervision, which often left patients unattended in hospital wards. In addition, journalists documented deteriorating infrastructure, broken medical equipment, overcrowded wards, and frequent shortages of essential medicines, forcing many patients to seek treatment from private facilities. The study further found that investigative journalism had a notable influence on policy attention and administrative decision-making. Media exposés frequently triggered administrative actions such as staff suspensions, transfers, internal investigations, and emergency meetings within the hospital. At the policy level, investigative reports often prompted procurement audits, ministerial statements, and committee reviews.
Keywords
Journalism
Health Care Policies and Government Hospitals
Cite This Article
Mujjukira Zeverio & Wamimbi Denis (2026). Analyzing the Impact Of Investigative Journalism On Health Care Policies In Government Hospitals. A Case Study Of Mulago National Referral Hospital. Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research, 5(4). https://journals.miu.ac.ug/pages/article.php?article_id=562
More in This Issue
View full issue →
1
Access To Business Information And Performance Of Smes In Nakawa Market, Kampala, Uganda
Business Information
SME Performance
Nakawa Market
Kampala
2
Africa's Youngest Giant: A Longitudinal Analysis of Uganda's Demographic Dividend Opportunity and the Policy Imperatives for Realization
Africa's Youngest Giant
Longitudinal Analysis
Uganda's Demographic Dividend Opportunity and Policy Imperatives for Realisation
3
Agriculture Support Programs And Poverty Eradication In Rural Areas: A Case Study Of Ntusi Sub-County
Agriculture Support Programs
Poverty Eradication
Input Support
Extension Services
4
Assistive Technology And Participation Of Students With Special Needs In Selected Secondary Schools In Mbale District
Assistive Technology
Students with Special Needs
Inclusive Education
Participation
5
Child Protection System And Refugee Children: A Case Of Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, Kiryandongo District, Uganda
Child Protection System
Refugee Children
Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement