Senior Reporter
Rev. Can Milton Nkurunungi, the Kigezi Diocesan Secretary, has strongly criticized Ugandan mothers who continue to rely on Traditional Birth Attendants when giving birth, despite the well-documented risks associated with this practice.
Nkurunungi made this statement while accepting a donated delivery bed from Annah Asiimwe, a local businesswoman from Kakore parish in Hamurwa Sub County, Rubanda District, at the Diocesan. Interestingly, the Rubanda District Authorities had initially rejected this delivery bed, which was intended for Bubare Health Center III.
Nkurunungi emphasized that giving birth with the assistance of Traditional Birth Attendants is not only dangerous for the mother but also for the baby. He stressed the importance of mothers seeking antenatal care services and delivering under the care of qualified healthcare professionals. Following the donation, the delivery bed was transferred to Kyenyi Church of Uganda Health Center II in Muko Sub County.
Annah Asiimwe, the donor, revealed that she decided to raise funds and contribute the delivery bed after healthcare workers at Bubare HCIII, Bufundi HCIII, Hamurwa HCIV, and Muko HCIV requested her support. She urged the facility’s management to ensure the bed is put to good use to enhance the quality of service delivery.
Johnan Twinomujuni, the In-charge of Kyenyi Church of Uganda Health Center II, highlighted the issue of inadequate hospital infrastructure as a common obstacle preventing mothers from choosing health facilities for childbirth. He further noted that the facility receives 20 to 30 expectant mothers for antenatal care each month, with 6 to 10 mothers giving birth there.
