Police Investigate Bududa Hospital Negligence After Mother Dies in Childbirth

Grief has descended upon Bududa General Hospital after Jenifer Nasaka, a 31-year-old expectant mother, passed away during childbirth. Her family and local leaders have raised serious allegations of negligence against the medical staff, suggesting that delays in her treatment were linked to demands for payment.

Nasaka, who hailed from Bunasaba Central village, was admitted to the facility three days prior to her death. According to a relative who wished to remain anonymous, hospital staff allegedly delayed attending to Nasaka until payment was made. Her mother, Lornah Matuka, corroborated this, stating that they were repeatedly sent to purchase medications not available at the hospital, leading her to leave her phone as collateral.

Matuka also recounted a chaotic admission process, including being asked to vacate a bed shortly after Nasaka was settled. As Nasaka’s condition deteriorated, she claims staff were unresponsive, shuffling her between different personnel until her condition became critical.

The Elgon regional police spokesperson, SP Rogers Taitika, confirmed that a case of negligent act causing death has been opened. Police are investigating the timeline of events, including the alleged refusal to assist until medicine was purchased and the overall response to Nasaka’s worsening labor pains.

Local officials, including Bududa District LC5 Chairperson Milton Kamoti Wasunguyi and Resident District Commissioner Juliet Solome Namara, have expressed concern over the preliminary findings, pointing towards potential negligence. However, the Bududa Hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr. Sylvia Ntegeka, has denied the allegations of financial demands, calling them “blackmail.”

Police plan to record statements from the deceased’s husband and mother, and will question the medical staff on duty during the incident. The unfolding investigation has also seen protests from some residents outside the hospital.