In the quiet village of Namagera, located in the Baitambogwe sub-county of Mayuge district, a somber tale unfolded recently. The story revolves around 30-year-old Juniper Ajambo, a mother expecting her fourth child, who sought the services of a traditional birth attendant (TBA) named Rose Amuge. Little did she know that this decision would lead to her untimely death.
Ajambo’s journey to Amuge’s home in Basasero ‘A’ ward, Bukatuube sub-county, took a tragic turn. The details surrounding her demise remain shrouded in mystery, as the local police in Mayuge find themselves grappling with a complex puzzle involving a deceased expectant mother, a runaway traditional birth attendant, and an abandoned home.
Diana Nandawula, the spokesperson for Busoga East Police, shared that Ajambo’s condition worsened during her time at Amuge’s residence, ultimately resulting in her death. What compounds the tragedy is the abrupt disappearance of Amuge and all her family members, leaving the home deserted and the lifeless body behind.
In response to this distressing incident, the police are actively engaged in a manhunt to locate the elusive traditional birth attendant and her family. The primary objective is to uncover the circumstances surrounding Ajambo’s death and hold those responsible accountable.
Following Ajambo’s demise, her body was transported to Mayuge Health Centre VI for a postmortem examination. Subsequently, the authorities handed over the remains to the grieving relatives, who laid her to rest on Thursday in Namagera village. The community mourns the loss of a young mother, questioning the role of traditional birth attendants in a society where maternal health remains a critical concern.
Diana Nandawula emphasized the need for a shift in attitudes toward seeking medical assistance in health facilities rather than relying on traditional practices. She lamented the persistent habit of people turning to herbalists and traditional birth attendants, urging a departure from this trend. This echoes the sentiments of Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who has previously issued warnings against the use of TBAs, even instructing the police to apprehend practitioners.
In 2010, the government took a decisive step by banning traditional birth attendants from attending to expectant mothers. The move aimed to curb maternal and infant mortality rates, pushing for safer and more medically supervised deliveries. However, the recent incident in Mayuge highlights the continued existence of these underground practices, raising questions about the effectiveness of regulatory measures.
As the Mayuge Police intensify their efforts to solve the puzzle surrounding Juniper Ajambo’s death, the broader conversation revolves around the persisting challenges in maternal healthcare and the need for communities to embrace modern medical services. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that can unfold when traditional practices clash with the imperative for safer childbirth.
