Traditional birth attendant on the run after death of expectant mother

Mayuge, (UG): The Police in Mayuge District in eastern Uganda are hunting for a traditional birth attendant to explain the mystery death of an expectant mother at her home in Mayuge District, eastern Uganda.

Juniper Ajambo, 30, a resident of Namagera village in Baitambogwe sub-county expecting her fourth child had sought the services of the birth attendant identified as Rose Amuge for delivery at the latter’s home in Basasero ‘A’ ward in Bukatuube sub-county.

She, unfortunately, died under unclear circumstances according to Busoga East Police Spokesperson, Ms Diana Nandawula.

Speaking to local daily NewVision on Thursday, Nandawula revealed that Ajambo’s condition worsened while at the TBA’s home, leading to her death.

“Amuge and all her family members disappeared, abandoning the home and the dead body,” Ms Nandawula noted, adding that police are already on the ground hunting for the runaway birth attendant and family to explain the cause of the death.

This publication learnt that Ajambo’s body was taken to Mayuge Health Centre VI for a postmortem examination and later handed over to relatives for burial, which happened on Thursday in Namagera village.

In the wake of Ajambo’s death, Ms Nandaula issued a warning against using traditionalists for birth services and advised them to instead seek medical services in professional health facilities.

“People still have a poor attitude towards using hospitals. Even if someone falls sick, they just rush to herbalists instead of medical facilities for help. This habit should stop,” said Nandawula.

In an effort to curb maternal and infant mortality rates, the Government in 2010 banned TBAs from attending to expectant mothers, but the practice continues underground in several parts of the country.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has previously warned women against seeking the services of TBAs, ordering the Police to arrest practitioners.