Mubende — A 35-year-old mother of five is facing life-threatening challenges after being abandoned by her husband following a road accident that left her with broken legs.
On February 22, 2025, Jane Katushabe was returning from Mubende Regional Referral Hospital after an antenatal care visit when she was involved in a road accident, suffering fractures to both legs.
With treatment costs at Shs2.5 million, her husband, Imaana Irikumwenatwe, took her to traditional bone healers due to their inability to raise funds.
Irikumwenatwe later disappeared, leaving Katushabe alone with the children, she said.
“We went to Kassambya for traditional treatment, but my husband abandoned me there with my five children. I don’t know where he is,” Katushabe said.
The Nile Post has made efforts to contact Irikumwenatwe over the claims without success as sources indicated he might have crossed the south-western borders into his native Rwanda.
Now nine months pregnant, Katushabe is unable to move or care for herself. She relies on neighbors for basic support and fears complications during delivery.
“I cannot do anything on my own. My neighbours are the ones taking care of me, but I am due for delivery and lack the necessary requirements for a safe birth,” she explained.
Adding to her challenges, two of her children have left home in the past four months, leaving her uncertain of their whereabouts.
Her 12-year-old son has stepped in as the family head, caring for his siblings and mother despite the family’s severe financial hardships.
“I am the one looking after the family because our father abandoned us. Most times, we suffer from hunger,” the son said, appealing to well-wishers for assistance.
Katushabe is currently staying in a single-room rental provided by compassionate neighbors, who have been her primary caregivers since the accident.
Neighbour Maritah Mutoni has spent seven months supporting her and is urging the public to help.
“Our good people, please come and help her because she is soon going into labor, and we have nothing,” Mutoni said.
Katushabe has also appealed directly to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja for assistance, sharing her contacts for anyone willing to help: 0780743273 / 0705633718.
With the birth of her child imminent, Katushabe’s story highlights the urgent need for community support and intervention to prevent further tragedy.