61-Year-Old Traditional Birth Attendant Arrested After Death of Woman in Uganda

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Police in Mbale District in eastern Uganda have apprehended a 61-year-old traditional birth attendant following the tragic death of a 27-year-old woman who sought her services during labor. Brenda Namakoye, a mother of three from Nasenyi village in Butaleja District, passed away due to excessive bleeding after giving birth at the home of Ms. Florence Kakai in Luyekhe village in Mbale District. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and regulation of traditional birth attendants in the region.

According to Mr. Rogers Taitika, the Elgon Regional Police Spokesperson, Namakoye’s husband rushed her to Kakai’s home after she experienced labor pains. However, after delivering a baby boy, Namakoye started bleeding profusely. Despite efforts to transport her to a nearby health center on a motorcycle, she tragically died en route. The police have arrested Ms. Kakai, who is currently being held at Mbale District central police station to aid in the investigation. The suspect is facing charges of rash and negligent act causing death.

The incident highlights the challenges faced by expectant mothers in rural areas, not just in Mbale District but also in other parts of the Elgon sub-region. Many women in these areas, due to poverty or lack of accessibility to health centers, continue to seek antenatal services from traditional birth attendants. These traditional birth attendants are often the only option available, as they are more accessible and familiar to the local communities. However, their lack of formal medical training and resources can pose significant risks to the health and well-being of the mothers and newborns.

In August of this year, another tragic incident occurred in Pallisa district, where a 22-year-old woman named Isabel Khamiyat, and her baby, died while under the care of traditional birth attendants. The government banned traditional birth attendants in 2010, citing their inability to handle complications such as hemorrhaging, which accounts for 42 percent of maternal deaths. However, due to various factors like poverty and inadequate healthcare infrastructure, many women in rural areas still rely on their services.

Maternal mortality rates in Uganda remain alarmingly high. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) key indicators report for the sixth Demographic and Health Survey 2016, 336 mothers die per 100,000 live births. Although this represents a decline from the 2011 figure of 438 deaths per 100,000 live births, the number of maternal deaths is still unacceptably high. This highlights the urgent need for improved access to quality healthcare services, especially for expectant mothers in rural areas.

In response to this tragedy, Mr. Taitika emphasized the importance of seeking medical help from trained professionals for better management during childbirth. He urged expectant mothers to prioritize their health and safety by accessing the necessary healthcare facilities and skilled healthcare providers. The body of Brenda Namakoye has been taken to Mbale City mortuary for a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of her death.

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by expectant mothers in rural areas and the need for comprehensive healthcare reforms to improve maternal and child health outcomes. It is imperative for the government and relevant stakeholders to prioritize investments in healthcare infrastructure, healthcare workforce training, and community education to ensure safer childbirth experiences for all women in Uganda..