Justice Sought for Midwife's Murder
St. Paul Katete Church of Uganda was filled with grief and outrage today as family, friends, and community members gathered to mourn the death of Judith Kyarisima, a senior midwife at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
Kyarisima’s body was discovered in River Rwizi yesterday, nearly a week after she went missing on September 2, 2024.
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Reverend Herbert Byoonanebye led the solemn church service, condemning the brutal crime. "The Rwizi is no longer filled with plastic bottles; now it is filled with human bodies," he said, reflecting on the tragedy that has stained the river once known for its natural beauty. He added, "Whoever is behind innocent Judith's death, may God see you."
City South Mayor Jomo Mugabi also voiced his condemnation of the violence. "You people are bad. You behave like animals. These acts are very inhuman," Mugabi stated.
He further questioned, "How can you hold an individual, squeeze them, and then throw them into River Rwizi?" He remarked, "When you find that you are the first suspect and you are in prison, there is no smoke without fire," underscoring the seriousness of the allegations against the suspect.
Authorities have arrested Kyarisima’s husband, Nkwasibwe Justice, as the prime suspect in her murder. The Uganda Nurses and Midwives Association has expressed deep sorrow and is urging a swift investigation.
Alex Twekwatse from the association noted, "Judith was a very strong lady, who could defend the nurses. We arrested the suspects, including the late woman's husband. We found him with her clothes."
Deus Twesigye, Director of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, praised Kyarisima’s dedication to her work. "Judith has been very transparent," Twesigye said, adding that when her phones were off, it confirmed something was wrong, given her known transparency.
As the community rallies around Kyarisima’s family, preparations for her burial are underway at her home in Katete, with the service scheduled for tomorrow. The community and the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Association continue to demand justice for Kyarisima in this tragic case.
