By Ismael Kasooha
The police in Kibaale district, western Uganda are investigating allegations that a staff member at one of the health units in Kagadi town, Kibaale district western Uganda assaulted an expectant woman who later had a still birth.
Ben Mugisha, the district head of criminal investigations, said they are investigating reports that the man, who is attached to Kagadi government hospital, assaulted a woman last week (3 July 2012) in the maternity ward.
Talking to the New Vision, the victim’s mother said the incident happened around 10pm last Tuesday. She says the man entered the maternity ward and started screening patients and their attendants to see whether there were any intruders.
The victim’s mother said a 10-year -old girl who had brought them food was ordered to leave the ward due to the rule that only one person is allowed in the ward for each expectant mother. A scuffle broke out and in the confusion the member of staff inflicted an injury on the victim’s head and stomach and she fell unconscious. She was rushed to St. Ambrose health centre in critical condition where she was admitted. She then delivered a still birth.
“My daughter was taken to Kagadi hospital because her delivery was nearing only to be assaulted,” said Kabanyoro.
A leaked medical examination report allegedly indicates that the woman’s still birth could have been the result of the assault.
Dr. James Olowo, the Kagadi hospital administrator, declined to comment on the matter because police was handling it.
The accused said he did not assault the woman but only told her to abide by the rules and regulations put in place by the hospital management.
“When I asked these people why they had an extra person they became wild at me and I was only protecting myself,” he said.
Dr. Dan Kyamanywa , the district health officer in Kibaale, said that hospital staff are meant to use other tactics to send out people from the wards and are banned from using sticks or any coercive means.
He said that police was doing its work of investigating the truth of the matter so that the law will prevail.
Mugisha, who is responsible for the police investigation, said the matter is being investigated and action will be taken as soon as possible.
“This is a serious issue that involves human rights abuses and we shall do all it takes to conclusively investigate the case,” he added.
