Canaan Medical Centre Proprietor Convicted for Endangering Lives

The Magistrate’s Court in Kanoni has convicted and sentenced Yona Kayanja, proprietor of the unlicensed Canaan Medical Centre, for operating an illegal health facility, forgery, and endangering public health through unauthorized medical practices.

Kayanja was found guilty on all three charges under Criminal Case No. KANONI CRB 89/2024 – Uganda vs. Kayanja Yona. The ruling follows a thorough criminal investigation that began last year, led by the State House Health Monitoring Unit (HMU), which revealed a series of dangerous medical violations at the facility.

According to court proceedings, Kayanja had operated Canaan Medical Centre without the required registration under the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, 1998. Investigators revealed that the clinic was performing major surgical procedures despite lacking a functioning theatre and a qualified Anesthetist. The facility was also found to be in unsanitary condition, with visible stains of blood and general dirt, posing a grave risk to patients.

During the sentencing, Kayanja pleaded guilty to all charges. The court imposed the following penalties:

• Operating a Private Health Unit Without a License: Fined UGX 1,000,000- or six months’ imprisonment upon default.

• Forgery: Fined UGX 500,000- or six months’ imprisonment upon default.

• Negligent Act Likely to Spread Infection of Disease: Fined UGX 300,000- or six months’ imprisonment upon default.

All sentences will run concurrently.

The conviction is seen as a major step in the government’s ongoing efforts to stop illegal and unregulated health service providers. The State House Health Monitoring Unit reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that all medical facilities in the country adhere to regulatory standards to protect the lives of Ugandans.