Police in Kampala have launched an investigation into Kawempe Hospital after a couple raised concerns about the death of their newborn baby, whose face the hospital claims was partially eaten by a rat.
The parents, Yvonne Ainembabazi, 20, and Suleiman Wasswa, 30, believe their first child was a victim of ritual sacrifice since a severe incision on the left side of the face was inconsistent with rat bites.
According to Patrick Onyango, spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan Police, the police have opened a death inquiry file to investigate the circumstances surrounding the premature baby’s death.
“The investigations have just begun to establish the circumstances under which the rat gained access to where the bodies are kept, so we need to confirm all of that,” Onyango explained.
He also claims that they are looking into how a rat got into the room where the bodies are kept.
Prof. Joel Okullu, chairperson of the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council, claimed that they had not been asked to intervene but would gladly do so if formally requested.
“When it comes to their attention, we will investigate the complainant, and the defendant will be summoned to present their cases, after which the Council will rule,” Okullo stated.
Okullo indicated that if someone is found guilty, they will be sanctioned under the rule book, which includes a reprimand, suspension, and the deletion of their information from the registry.