Police Investigating Death Of Woman During Child Birth

Posted by: Kyeyune Andrew Jonathan in Uganda news October 8, 2021

Police and health authorities in Kakumiro District have started investigations into circumstances that led to the death of a woman and her child.

The victim is said to have died giving birth at the hands of a traditional birth attendant (TBA). The incident that involved the death of a mother and her child happened on Sunday.

The deceased, identified as Faustina Namukisa, happened to be a resident of Kyabeya Village in Nalweyo Town Council.

Preliminary reports show the police arrested the traditional birth attendant and already have her in their custody.

Ms. Mary Asumpta is the district assistant health officer in charge of child and maternal department. She said Namukisa attended antenatal care at Nalweyo Health Centre III on September 29.

‘’She was advised to come back to the same facility for delivery. Instead, she opted to go to a traditional birth attendant,’’ Ms. Asumpta said.

She further said the law does not allow TBAs to assist pregnant mothers in delivery because they are not qualified for the job.

However, they can only escort expectant mothers to health facilities to safely deliver their babies.

Mr. Edgar Kulayigye, the district police commander also said they charged the TBA with criminal negligence.

He said they will be forwarding the file to the Resident State Attorney for perusal and further guidance.

A brother to the deceased, Mr. Fred Babiito said his sister immensely bled after giving birth but the TBA declined to refer her to the hospital.

In 2010, the government of Uganda outlawed all traditional birth attendants citing their inability to handle hemorrhaging in women. Statistics also showed that this is apparently responsible for 42% of maternal deaths.

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