Kassanda Teen Dies During Emergency Transfer as Police Probe Suspected Unsafe Medical Procedure

An 18-year-old apprentice hairdresser from Kassanda District has died while being rushed for advanced medical care after being found in critical condition at a private clinic, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death and raising fresh concerns about unsafe medical practices.

An 18-year-old girl from Kassanda District has died under unclear circumstances while being evacuated for further treatment, in a case now under active police investigation.

The deceased, identified as Mary Babirye, was a resident of Ntonyeze Cell in Bukuya Town Council and worked as an apprentice hairdresser at a local salon. According to her family, she reported to work on April 17, 2026, but did not return home later that evening, prompting concern.

Her mother, Specioza Nakigudde, said efforts to trace her daughter that night were unsuccessful, particularly as the teenager did not own a mobile phone.

When she contacted the salon owner at around 8:00pm, she was informed that Babirye had left for home earlier as expected.

The situation escalated in the early hours of the following morning when the family received information that Babirye had been admitted to a nearby private clinic in critical condition.

Upon arrival, her mother reportedly found her lying on the floor, unable to speak and bleeding heavily.

“I found my daughter in a very weak condition. She could not talk and had lost a lot of blood,” she said.

According to the clinic operator, the girl had been brought in already bleeding and in a deteriorating state, and attempts to stabilize her were unsuccessful, prompting a call to relatives to arrange a transfer to a better-equipped health facility.

However, Babirye was pronounced dead while being transported, as relatives worked to identify an appropriate referral centre.

The Wamala Region Police spokesperson, Lameck Kigozi, confirmed that the case was reported to police and that investigations are ongoing.

“The cause of death is currently suspected to be excessive bleeding, pending a postmortem examination,” he said.

The body has been taken to Kassanda Health Centre IV mortuary for a postmortem to establish the exact cause of death.

Police have since launched a manhunt for the clinic operator, identified as Gerald Musawo, who reportedly fled the facility shortly after the incident and is now wanted to assist with investigations.

Authorities have used the incident to caution the public about unsafe medical practices, noting that abortion remains illegal under Ugandan law and warning that those involved in carrying out or facilitating such procedures commit an offence.

Police have also urged young people to make informed health decisions and seek appropriate guidance to avoid life-threatening risks.

The community has called for thorough investigations to establish the full circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death.