A 23-year-old woman is fighting for her life at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) after a brutal assault by her husband, Alex Ochaya.
Caroline Nyamwija, a resident of Kaberebere trading center in Isingiro district, was admitted on January 6 to the Accident and Emergency Department, according to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital Public Relations Officer Halson Kagure.
Nyamwija, who has since been transferred to the Surgical Ward after receiving treatment, is still recovering from the traumatic effects of the assault. The patient, brought in by unknown well-wishers yesterday around 4:00 am, has yet to be discharged. She recounted how her husband attacked her with a panga before fleeing with their four-month-old baby.
“I want the man to be arrested and bring back my baby,” Nyamwija said, tears streaming down her face.
Her brother, Prosper Kakuru, accused the husband of using narcotic drugs, which he believes contributed to the violent attack. Kakuru expressed frustration with Kaberebere Police Post, which he claims refused to intervene despite being informed of the incident.
The suspect, still at large, worked as a livestock handler. Locals described the victim as peaceful, even when drinking alcohol, and expressed shock at the husband’s actions.
Neighbors recalled that the victim was hacked but did not scream much, calling it a miracle she is still alive. They doubt the baby’s survival, as they only heard the baby’s first cry before seeing the man leave with a bag believed to contain the baby.
The local chairman condemned the incident, while the Referral Hospital Public Relations Officer, Kagure, described it as inhumane. Kagure urged authorities to ensure justice is served and emphasized the importance of reuniting the baby with the mother to aid her recovery.
However, it remains to be seen whether the woman will receive justice, as police have yet to take further action to apprehend the suspect and recover the baby.
