A sense of unease has gripped Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union following the sudden disappearance of seasoned midwife Judith Kyariisima. Judith, who has dedicated nearly three decades to serving at the hospital, vanished on Monday, according to her husband, Justus Nkwasibwe, a local businessman.
Members of the union revealed that today, the hospital’s Acting Director, Dr. Deus Twesigye, convened a meeting with administrators, including his spokesperson Halson Kagure, to discuss the way forward after the husband wrote to the administration.
Hospital spokesperson Halson Kagure confirmed that the husband had sought assistance from the hospital administration, stating, “We are supporting the family and security organs in the search process.” Kagure clarified that Judith’s disappearance did not occur within the hospital premises, making it challenging for the administration to comment further.
Police investigations are underway, with the case reported at Katete Police Post (case ref: 08/03/09/2024). Rwizi Region Police Spokesman Samson Kasasira was unavailable for comment, but sources revealed that the husband had reported the case and sought assistance from the hospital.
Judith was pursuing a degree in midwifery at Nsambya Training School and was scheduled to complete her internship at the hospital’s pediatric ward. She was last seen on August 28 and was expected to return from a seven-day leave on Friday.
Her husband reported that she had left their home in Katete Trading Center to retrieve documents but never returned. The news of her disappearance first surfaced on a local WhatsApp platform of Katete Church of Uganda.
Kagure reassured staff that the administration, in conjunction with the family and security forces, is working tirelessly to locate Judith. He urged staff to remain calm and cautious during the investigation.
Meanwhile, sources at the Rwizi Region Police have disclosed that this afternoon, detectives raided the husband’s home in Katete, where a series of searches have been conducted. As the search enters its third day, hospital staff and the community hold onto hope for Judith’s safe return.
