Kasese woman recounts gruesome amputation experience at anti-GBV campaign launch

KASESE - 36-year-old Esther Mbambu, a resident of Mukati trading centre, Maliba sub-county in Kasese district, has recounted how her husband mercilessly chopped off her two hands. 

The incident happened on May 20, 2025, after a domestic violence-related scuffle at their home in Kasese municipality's Nyakasojo Lower of Bulembia division, where her husband, Hasan Kato, forcibly cut off her hands.

During the national launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign on November 25, 2025, at the municipality's multipurpose hall, Mbambu disclosed that out of her vending activities, she got money, bought land and started constructing a house for the entire family.

According to Mbambu, when the construction steadily progressed, Kato wondered where she had got the money. He later accused her of getting it from other men who were seducing her.

"He kept on piling anger and aggressively questioning me until that evening when he shockingly cut off my hands just behind our house as I was retiring from work," Mbambu said.

"He went on to cut me with a panga on my head as I screamed until the neighbours came to my rescue," she added.

I thought I was dead

Mbambu, who said after the incident, she thought she was dead, and came back to her senses at Mt St Mary's Hospital in Kasese municipality. She was later referred to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, where she recovered.

The husband was arrested, arraigned in courts of law and sentenced to 40 years in prison.
However, when Mbambu was discharged, her condition worsened with recurring headaches and trauma.

However, her family, with the help of several organisations, hired experts who helped her to recover. Her other challenge was how she would look after her four children.

Despite the frustrating moments, a ray of hope emerged when South Rwenzori Diocese bishop Nason Baluku visited Mbambu at her parents' home and donated a refrigerator and shop merchandise to help her set up a small business.

“My prayer to God had always been that I get a small business for Esther so that she can regain a sense of purpose and stability,” Baluku said.

“It is our Christian duty to support the weak and vulnerable. That's why I have also decided to secure for her artificial limbs.”

Mutuuzo urged political, cultural and religious leaders in Kasese to intensify their efforts towards sensitising communities about the need to fight against Gender Based Violence. (Credit: Samuel Amanyire)

Preventing such abuses

Moved by Mbambu's account, Paulina Chiwangu, who represented United Nations Resident Co-ordinator Leonard Zulu at the function, said they are committed to doing all it takes to prevent such inhumane acts across the globe.

"We are standing with you in solidarity," Chiwangu said.

She also expressed many concerns about digital violence on women and girls, explaining that the attack on victims includes faking their pictures and exposing them as though they are indecent (naked).

"Equally, men aggressively use online means to persuade women and young girls, yet this form of violence kills psychologically and physically," she said.

Mutuuzo speaks out 

Gender state minister Peace Regis Mutuuzo, who spearheaded the function as the chief guest, said Kasese is ranked third among the leading districts in GBV cases, with an average of five cases reported at the main Police station every day.

Mutuuzo urged political, cultural and religious leaders in Kasese to intensify their efforts towards sensitising communities about the need to fight against Gender Based Violence.

The minister emphasised the critical role leaders play in promoting a culture full of respect and safety, particularly using their influential platforms, noting that they (leaders) must use their voices to condemn violence of all forms and ensure that the communities are educated on the prevention and response mechanisms. 

"And to my fellow women, come out quickly and report if you realise that your man is luring you in acts of GBV." Mutuuzo said.

The launch of the campaign is based on the theme: Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.