News
Bugiri caregiver held as probe death of four-year-old infant
Detectives have since arrested the suspect, identified as 26-year-old Racheal Atikwi, a resident of Bukwaku–Nakavule Village in Nabukalu Sub-county, who remains in custody as investigations continue.
Busoga East Regional Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha said the suspect is in custody while investigations continue. (File photo)
By: Simon Masaba, Journalist @New Vision
________________
Police in Bugiri district are investigating circumstances under which a four-year-old child died, allegedly after an untrained local caregiver performed a dangerous traditional procedure using a razor blade.
The incident, which occurred on June 28, has reignited concerns over the growing reliance on unqualified caregivers for medical treatment in rural communities, with health authorities and police warning that such practices continue to cost lives.
Detectives have since arrested the suspect, identified as 26-year-old Racheal Atikwi, a resident of Bukwaku–Nakavule Village in Nabukalu Sub-county, who remains in custody as investigations continue.
According to Busoga East Regional Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha, preliminary findings indicate that the child's mother sought treatment from the suspect after her son fell ill instead of taking him to a recognised health facility.
Police say the mother, Kamugisha Altronce, took the child to the caregiver on June 28, hoping to obtain treatment.
After carrying out what police described as a local, non-medical assessment, the caregiver allegedly claimed that the child was suffering from an enlarged uvula.
Investigators said the suspect proceeded to cut the child's uvula using a razor blade. An uvula is a small, teardrop-shaped projection hanging from the back of the soft palate that aids in swallowing, speech, and throat lubrication.
The procedure allegedly triggered severe bleeding that could not be controlled. As the child's condition rapidly deteriorated, family members rushed the infant to Bugiri General Hospital for emergency treatment.
However, doctors pronounced him dead before he could receive medical attention.
Police say the mother, Kamugisha Altronce, took the child to the caregiver on June 28, hoping to obtain treatment.
After carrying out what police described as a local, non-medical assessment, the caregiver allegedly claimed that the child was suffering from an enlarged uvula.
Investigators said the suspect proceeded to cut the child's uvula using a razor blade. An uvula is a small, teardrop-shaped projection hanging from the back of the soft palate that aids in swallowing, speech, and throat lubrication.
The procedure allegedly triggered severe bleeding that could not be controlled. As the child's condition rapidly deteriorated, family members rushed the infant to Bugiri General Hospital for emergency treatment.
However, doctors pronounced him dead before he could receive medical attention.
Police said the grieving mother later reported the incident, prompting detectives to arrest the caregiver and commence investigations into circumstances that led to the child's death.
"The suspect is in custody while investigations continue," Kasadha said.
Investigators have since recorded statements from the child's relatives and other witnesses as they prepare a case file for submission to the Resident State Attorney.
Police are also awaiting medical findings expected to guide the preferred charges against the suspect.
The death has shocked residents of Nabukalu Sub-county, where some traditional practices involving the cutting of the uvula are still carried out despite repeated warnings from medical professionals.
Health experts have consistently cautioned that the procedure, when conducted outside a medical facility, can result in excessive bleeding, severe infection, permanent injury and death.
Authorities said the incident demonstrates the dangers associated with seeking treatment from individuals who lack formal medical training.
Police have urged parents and guardians to seek treatment for sick children only from qualified health workers operating in licensed health facilities.
Kasadha warned that resorting to unqualified caregivers exposes patients, particularly children, to life-threatening complications that are entirely preventable.
He appealed to communities to report individuals carrying out illegal medical procedures in villages before more lives are lost.
"The suspect is in custody while investigations continue," Kasadha said.
Investigators have since recorded statements from the child's relatives and other witnesses as they prepare a case file for submission to the Resident State Attorney.
Police are also awaiting medical findings expected to guide the preferred charges against the suspect.
The death has shocked residents of Nabukalu Sub-county, where some traditional practices involving the cutting of the uvula are still carried out despite repeated warnings from medical professionals.
Health experts have consistently cautioned that the procedure, when conducted outside a medical facility, can result in excessive bleeding, severe infection, permanent injury and death.
Authorities said the incident demonstrates the dangers associated with seeking treatment from individuals who lack formal medical training.
Police have urged parents and guardians to seek treatment for sick children only from qualified health workers operating in licensed health facilities.
Kasadha warned that resorting to unqualified caregivers exposes patients, particularly children, to life-threatening complications that are entirely preventable.
He appealed to communities to report individuals carrying out illegal medical procedures in villages before more lives are lost.