MBARARA- A bitter dispute erupted between Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital staff and Las Vegas Hotel management after the latter abruptly terminated a staff party, citing an unexpected high-profile guest arrival.
The confrontation unfolded on Friday at approximately 10:00 PM, when the hotel manager, allegedly intoxicated, ordered the closure of the public address system shortly after the official dance commenced.
The master of ceremony had just announced the start of the dance, saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, are you feeling so high? I told you this is a full moon party, and we’re just getting started. Right about now, I’m calling the chief guest, accompanied by the director and administration, to open the dance.”
The dance was officially opened by Hospital Board Chairman, Mr. James Mugume, accompanied by Acting Hospital Director, Dr. Deus Twesigye, shortly after cutting the cake. However, the celebration was short-lived, as the hotel manager shut down the sound system, forcing the DJ to stop.
Frustrated staff confronted the organizers, demanding answers, and upon learning that the shutdown was not part of the agreement, they turned their frustration towards the hotel management. The manager attempted to relocate the party to an unagreed-upon venue but was met with resistance from the staff.
In a fit of rage, the manager ordered his security personnel to lock down the gate, causing a paralysis of vehicles for approximately an hour. The manager claimed that some staff had broken a glass and sought to detain them.
According to the staff intervention from the hospital administration ultimately led to the manager reopening the gate. The administration vehemently expressed their dissatisfaction with the hotel’s services, vowing never to return due to the “barbaric” staff and below standard service.
One of the aggrieved said that apart from fancy buildings of Las Vegas Hotel, there’s nothing special about it as they vowed to continue exposing harrowing experiences they encountered.
Earlier in the evening, staff had been seen dancing and mingling, expressing gratitude for the long-overdue party though some complained of inadequate food.
The hospital director thanked the staff for their tireless efforts in serving the country amidst challenging circumstances.
Chief Guest awarded the best performers and urged them to continue saving lives before the cake-cutting ceremony. The incident has left a sour taste, and it remains to be seen whether the hotel management will take steps to amicably resolve the matter.
Mbarara Regional Referral Staff enjoying during their party and Las Vegas before the situation turned sour.
— The Informer Ug (@InformerUg) February 26, 2025
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