Family Demands Investigation After Mother, Newborn Die During Childbirth in Serere

By Skika Reporter.

Authorities in Serere District have called for calm following the death of a 25-year-old woman and her newborn baby shortly after delivery at Serere Health Centre IV, as family members demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The deceased, Esther Amoding, a nursery schoolteacher from Nyero in Kumi District who was married in Serere, died alongside her baby boy while in the labour ward.

The family and members of the community have accused health workers at the facility of negligence, alleging that patients are sometimes left under the care of volunteers while qualified medical personnel are absent.

Sarah Akello, the deceased’s sister, called for accountability, urging authorities to establish what led to the deaths and ensure those found responsible are held to account.

“We want justice for our sister and her baby. Such incidents should not continue happening in our health facilities,” she said.

The deceased’s grandfather, Christopher Angicu, also expressed disappointment over the incident, describing the loss as devastating for the family.

Serere Resident District Commissioner John Stephen Ekoom appealed to both families and the public to remain calm as investigations get underway.

He said the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be thoroughly investigated and cautioned residents against taking actions that could jeopardize peace and security in the district.

Efforts to obtain a comment from the Serere District Health Officer and the administration of Serere Health Centre IV were unsuccessful by the time of publication.

Meanwhile, the deceased’s family said burial arrangements would only proceed after customary marriage requirements are fulfilled in accordance with local tradition.

The incident has sparked concern among residents, with many calling for improved accountability and quality of maternal healthcare services to help prevent similar tragedies.