Local community demonstrations demanding the government end maternal deaths took place in Mityana, Uganda last week (May 26). The demonstrations were organized by International Alliance Uganda and other civil society organisations. What follows is a collection of comments on maternal health from those who were there.
“We are here to demonstrate for better services. Health workers are rude to pregnant women and they do not care for them – they neglect them even when they are in pain they shout at them.” Angella Nkaba from Manyi Parish.
“Nurses demand for gloves and polythene bags and also threads if it is caesarian delivery, which require money and sometimes we do not have that money. Then there are times when you are beaten and need the health workers stamp and they want money. I was beaten when I was pregnant with this child. When I run to police, police referred me to hospital to get a record and the health workers asked me for money. I did not have the money.” Nabanja Annet from Bukanaga – Naama Monde.
“We are demonstrating because of the women who have died during delivery. Health workers do not care and the health facilities are few. It seems the healthworkers are not well paid that is why the act that way.” Kansiime Allen from Kiwambya Village Nakaseeta.
“We are here because women do not get proper care in hospital. They are mistreated when delivering.” Rose Namaye, Year Six pupil, Buyinza Primary School.
“The hospitals lack drugs and there is poor sanitation, so we are marching.” Apolot Christine, Year Six pupil, Buyinza Primary School.
“We are marching because women are not supported during delivery and no help is given to them after they deliver.” Nakidde Jenniffer, Primary Six pupil, Buyinza Primary School.
“We are here marching in solidarity with our wives, sisters, mothers, daughters and aunties. If a wife, sister, mother or aunty gets a problem, you get affected. If the situation improves for women then it changes for all of us.” Augustus Kabogozo from Naama Parish Busimbi Subcounty.
“In Buganda our culture involves the head of the family taking lead. So we are here to show our support. Because if the head of the family is not here then things will not move.” Sempa Moses from Kabule Parish Busimbi Subcounty.
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