Kabale Regional Referral Hospital is stuck with two unclaimed bodies that have been lying in the mortuary for more than a month’s period.
On Monday afternoon, a survey of the mortuary revealed two decomposing bodies in black body bags on the floor. A mortuary attendant, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that one of the bodies, a male adult, was brought to the mortuary on March 10, 2024.
The man had been found hanging from the ceiling of a house belonging to Rev. Fr. Austin Christmas in Kabisha Village, Kyanamira sub-county, Kabale district.
The second body, an elderly woman, was brought from Hamurwa Health Centre IV in Rubanda East constituency, Rubanda district, on April 25, 2024. The attendant explained that investigations indicated the woman’s family members from Hamurwa sub-county failed to retrieve the body due to domestic wrangles and unwillingness to cover burial expenses.
The prolonged presence of these bodies has caused significant discomfort due to the stench, affecting the mortuary and neighboring areas. Despite efforts to contact Kabale and Rubanda district authorities to arrange burials in the cemetery, no success has been achieved.
Dr. Abdon Birungi, Rubanda District Health Officer, confirmed awareness of the body from Hamurwa Health Centre IV and stated that he is following up on the matter. Conversely, Dr. Gilbert Mateeka, Kabale District Health Officer, claimed no knowledge of the body from Kyanamira sub-county and referred inquiries to Kabale municipality authorities.
Justin Barekye, Kabale municipality Town Clerk, said she was now aware of the issue and promised to follow up on the matter.
