NTUNGAMO, UGANDA: Dr. Bakamuturaki Richard, the District Health Officer Ntungamo has died after collapsing in a sauna at a hotel in Ntungamo district.
The district Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Mr. Fedelis Kizza confirmed the saddening news on Sunday evening.
According to Kizza, Dr. Bakamuturaki collapsed after allegedly suffocating in the sauna at Ankole Resort Hotel where he had gone with friends at about 5:30 pm after which he was taken to Amazing Grace Clinic for first aid but died on reaching the facility.
“He was in the sauna at Ankole Resort Hotel and Spa. He lacked energy, possibly due to suffocation, and collapsed. He was rushed to a nearby health facility, Amazing Grace Clinic, but he was pronounced dead before being admitted. It’s sad we have lost him,” Mr. Kizza told this website.
The deceased’s body had been transported to Mbarara regional referral hospital for a postmortem report.
Kiiza described Bakamuturaki as one of the pillars in the health sector who always fought for fellow health worker’s rights.
Asiimwe Moses one of the staff in charge of the laboratory at Ntungamo District Health department said they are still in shock from the sudden death of their boss.
The Ntungamo district chairman, Mr. Sam Mucunguzi described Dr. Bakamuturaki as a committed health officer whose effort to cub infections, especially Covid-19, will be missed.
Former LC 5 Chairman Ntungamo District, Singahakye Denis also described him as a person of integrity, transparency, and an accountable officer who will dearly be missed.
Bakamuturaki, 48, survived by a wife and two children was appointed the Ntungamo DHO in 2012, replacing Dr. John Karikwisya who retired in 2010.
He had worked in the same position of DHO in Rakai and also as a project officer in the US-funded strengthening decentralization services project based in central and Eastern Uganda.
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