Uganda’s Masaka Regional Referral Hospital is under scrutiny as police investigate the reported disappearance of a newborn child.
Ms Robinah Katusiime, a resident of Mpugwe Village, Nyendo-Mukungwe Municipality, claims she gave birth to twins on June 23, but alleges that hospital staff handed over only one child to her.
Ms Katusiime insists that multiple obstetric ultrasounds confirmed she was carrying twins. “All four ultrasound scans, including one at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, showed I had twins. I am determined to get justice,” she stated in an interview.
Her friend and labor caregiver, Ms Hawa Namagembe, supported her claim, noting that hospital staff had requested clothes for two newborns but only provided one baby girl. Initially assuming the baby boy had died, she informed Katusiime’s husband to prepare for the body, only to later be told there was no second child.
Dr Gonzaga Ssenyondo, head of the Maternity Department, denied the allegations, stating, “Our records show that Katusiime delivered one baby via caesarean section. The ultrasound scan purportedly conducted here was not authorized by our staff and might have been done by unauthorized personnel.”
Mr Charles Tumushiime, the hospital’s principal administrator, suggested possible collusion between Katusiime and certain health workers to manipulate ultrasound results. “We are leaving it to the police to determine the truth,” he added.
Southern Regional Police Spokesperson Mr Twaha Kasirye confirmed ongoing investigations, with statements recorded from Namagembe and hospital staff. This incident follows a similar case earlier in the year, when two women were arrested for allegedly stealing a newborn from the same hospital.
Health activists from the Southern Regional Social Rights Association have voiced concerns about misconduct by hospital staff hindering access to medical services. Recent disciplinary actions at the hospital include the interdiction of staff for extortion and theft, as well as the suspension of a senior surgeon for financial misconduct.
In November 2022, an impostor posing as hospital staff extorted money from mothers in the maternity ward, highlighting broader concerns about ethical lapses within the facility.
