A midwife at Bubango Health Centre II has been interdicted over allegations of negligence after a 24-year-old expectant mother delivered outside the maternity ward.
Rosemary Abigaba was suspended following reports that on April 12, 2026, she failed to attend to Kabasinguzi Sanyu, a resident of Kabanda B village in Bubango Sub-county, who had gone to the facility in labor.
According to the family, Sanyu’s husband, Tugume Mutekanga, repeatedly sought help from the midwife, but she did not respond.
Sanyu later delivered a baby boy on the facility’s veranda Saturday, assisted by her husband.
The mother and newborn were later taken to Bubango Best Care Clinic for medical attention before returning home.
In an interdiction letter dated April 14, 2026, Kibaale District Chief Administrative Officer John Katontoroma directed that Abigaba be removed from duty to allow for investigations.
Katontoroma said copies of the letter were shared with the Resident District Commissioner, LC V chairperson, District Service Commission, district health officer and the facility’s in-charge. He added that the midwife will receive half pay pending investigations.
He warned health workers to treat patients with diligence, especially expectant mothers.
Uganda continues to face gaps in maternal health services. According to government and global health estimates, the country records about 336 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, while only about 74% of deliveries are attended by skilled health personnel. Rural health facilities, particularly Health Centre IIIs and below, often face staffing shortages and limited resources.
Sanyu and her husband said they sought help several times but were ignored.
Mutekanga said they briefly sought treatment at a nearby clinic after the delivery before returning home.
Abigaba defended herself, saying she heard voices but did not respond, claiming staff operate on weekdays and citing lack of power at the facility.
Residents have expressed concern over what they describe as poor conduct and absenteeism among health workers, urging authorities to improve service delivery.
Community member John Birungi called on health workers to adhere to professional ethics, while Sellah Tuhaise said she had stopped seeking services at the facility due to poor treatment.
Bubango Sub-county LC3 Chairperson Paul Mukurasi confirmed receiving reports of the incident and condemned the alleged negligence, promising to follow up.
The facility in-charge, Fred Senyombi, declined to comment as investigations continue.
