Health workers finally reconcile after physical brawl

KAYONZA – A row between the head of Nyamirama Health Centre Joseph Uwihanganye and a nurse Arilette Murekeyisoni has been resolved. Uwihanganye told The New Times on Tuesday that arbitrators intervened and advised them to end their stand off amicably. Earlier last month, the duo was arrested after being involved in physical brawl. In what was seen as unethical, the duo exchanged blows in the office, breaking window panes, before being restrained by another staff member, authorities said. “She attacked me in my office. I knew it was a provocation to lead me into trouble,” Uwihanganye said. However, sources say the feud developed soon after Uwihanganye was appointed head the health centre. “The woman I replaced resisted my appointment because she wanted to remain in charge of the health centre. She had stayed around here for long and therefore, incited other workers against me,” Uwihanganye said. The district health director, Denise Uwera said they are still investigating to find out the root cause of the row. “We want to establish the trouble causer, so that he or she is sacked. Investigators are meeting difficulties, but we shall finally get the facts,” Uwera said. The area Sector Executive Secretary, Andrew Rwamugabo said despite the reconciliation, there is need for punitive measures taken against the health officials for ‘behaving unprofessionally’. “I don’t understand why the two are still at work,” Rwamugabo said. “They committed grave mistakes. Fighting and stealing leads to expulsion without notice or financial compensation.” Ends