Buvuma District, Uganda – Residents and leaders in Buvuma District have raised urgent concerns about the lack of a mortuary at Buvuma Health Centre IV, the main healthcare facility serving the district's 52 islands.
The absence of proper storage for bodies has created distressing situations for both medical staff and grieving families. Â
The crisis became painfully evident last Thursday night when a domestic violence incident turned fatal. Zebio Kaaya, 50, was allegedly attacked by his wife, Norah Namiiro, 46, who then brought her bleeding husband to the health centre. Despite efforts to save him, Kaaya was pronounced dead on arrival. Â
David Kasirye, chairperson of Bukambe Village, recounted how they transported Kaaya's body by bodaboda (motorcycle taxi) only to face another ordeal – the facility had nowhere to store the remains. "The doctors examined him and confirmed death, but we had to immediately arrange for burial as there's no mortuary," Kasirye explained. Â
Dr. Crispus Nkoyoyo, deputy director of the health centre, described the daily challenges: "Our doctors' consultation room doubles as a temporary holding space for bodies when necessary. This is far from ideal for both medical practice and respecting the deceased." Â
In Kaaya's case, his body remained in the examination area until paperwork was completed, forcing the suspension of medical services in that space for an entire day. Â
Buvuma District Chairperson Adrian Wasswa Ddungu acknowledged repeated requests to the government for facility upgrades: "We've been asking for this health centre to be elevated to hospital status with proper amenities, including a mortuary. Our petitions remain unanswered." Â
Residents expressed frustration about the indignity of the situation. "It's heartbreaking to see our loved ones treated this way," shared one community member. "The consultation room shouldn't serve as a makeshift morgue." Â
