Medical Neglect, Extortion hit Kazo HC IV
Residents of Kagaramira Village, Kitookye Cell, Kagaramira Parish, Nkungu Sub-County, Kazo District have expressed outrage over alleged misconduct at Kazo Health Center IV. The community claims that the health facility has been involved in illicit activities including smuggling money for body treatment particularly when patients die.
The controversy follows the tragic death of Medius Namatovu, a 40-year-old pregnant woman in her fourth month. She was transferred to Kazo Health Center IV for first aid but succumbed due to alleged neglect by a health worker. Shockingly, her body was taken to the mortuary without proper treatment raising suspicions among residents.
Muhwezi Kabangira who went to retrieve Namatovu’s body recounted a distressing encounter with the mortuary attendant. “When Namatovu died, they neither performed surgery to remove the stillbirth nor treated her. When I called the doctor responsible for surgery, he demanded UGX 400,000 shillings. We initially agreed to pay UGX300,000 shillings but shortly after he said he needed more,” Muhwezi explained. The family transferred Namatovu’s body to a private health facility in Kazo Town council and paid UGX 300,000 shillings for treatment.
Further allegations of mistreatment and misconduct emerged from relatives and caregivers. Denis Tumushabe and Tusingwire Edwin who cared for the deceased described how a nurse only identified as Shillah who was on the day shift tried her best to save Namatovu but left shortly after her schedule and her replacement allegedly behaved inappropriately. Tusingwire claimed that the nurse insulted them, saying, “How can a forty-year-old woman keep producing?” and that they were forced to purchase water drip materials from an outside pharmacy.
During the mourning service, Emmanuel Baryamujura, the deceased’s brother- in-law voiced his concerns publicly. He revealed that he had contacted the Deputy RDC of Kazo, Mr. Bazil Baddy Mugisha and Hon. Dan Kimosho, MP for Kazo County to question whether it is permissible for health workers at a government-aided facility to solicit money from bereaved families. Baryamujura called on district officials and MPs to investigate and address the issue.
He also recounted a previous incident on July 4, 2024 when he lost his mother. In that case, a mortuary attendant demanded UGX 200,000 shillings which he refused to pay opting instead to bring her body home. He noted that his mother received treatment at a cost of only UGX20,000 shillings raising questions about the consistency and transparency of charges at Kazo Health Center IV.
Turyatunga Yoana, the husband of the late Namatovu paid tribute to his wife expressing gratitude for their years together. “She was a good partner and I thank God for the 29 years of marriage and the four children we had,” he said emotionally.
Matters of community morals and spiritual guidance were also emphasized. Main celebrant Mathias Kato urged the congregation to promote transparency and forgiveness within their communities. Meanwhile, Hon. Tabamuzigu Kantu Balam, MP for Kazo County and aspirant, alongside Hon. Leah Atuhaire, Woman MP for Kazo District, urged mourners to vote responsibly and support leaders who prioritize accountability in a bid to lift the service status in the district.
As community members call for investigations into the conduct health workers at Kazo Health Center IV, the residents of Kagaramira Village seek justice and transparency to prevent further loss and abuse within their healthcare system.
