MUGABE R
Midwives at Karoli Lwanga Hospital Nyakibale in Southern Division, Rukungiri Municipality are caring for a one-and-a-half-month-old baby girl following the disappearance of her mother.
The young mother, identified as 19-year-old Blessing Akankunda from Rwobusisi Cell, Kyamakanda Parish in Buyanja Sub-county, Rukungiri District, was admitted to the facility on 12th February 2026. She successfully delivered a baby girl who was later taken to the nursery section after being born weak and in need of special care.
According to hospital staff, the mother remained at the facility for several days attending to her baby. However, on the night of 24th February 2026, she reportedly breastfed the child and later disappeared from the hospital without notifying the medical team.
She is said to have left behind her personal belongings, leading health workers to suspect that she may have fled due to fear of accumulating hospital bills. Since then, the baby has remained under the care of midwives, who say the situation has placed an unexpected burden on them as they continue to provide for the infant’s needs.
Efforts by the hospital administration to trace the young mother have so far been unsuccessful.
Hospital Human Resource Officer Bernabas Musimenta has appealed to the mother to return to the facility, assuring her that the hospital is willing to engage in dialogue and reach an understanding regarding any outstanding bills.
