Judgment in Mulago missing twin baby case deferred
Lawyer James Zeeri (L) talking to Mr Michael Mubangizi (right), the father to the twin who disappeared from Mulago hospital at High court, civil division on Monday, January 16. 2nd right is Mr Lauben Bitwababo and Ms Agnes Tuginayo (2nd left), all relatives to Mr Mubangizi. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI
What you need to know:
- DNA results from the tests on the body given to them by the hospital indicated that they were not its biological parents.
- The couple also claims that the hospital denied them access to medical records regarding the birth of their twins and also allegedly took away one of them without their permission.
KAMPALA. Kampala High Court has deferred its judgment in a case in which Mulago National Neferral Hospital was sued by a couple over a missing twin baby shortly after giving birth.
The much anticipated judgment had been scheduled for Monday, January 16; however, presiding Judge Lydia Mugambe Ssali told lawyers of both parties that her decision was not yet ready.
To that effect, she fixed Tuesday next week at 4pm to deliver her judgment.
The case arose in 2014 when a couple; Michael Mubangizi and Jennifer Musimenta, sued the hospital after one of their twin babies allegedly went missing shortly after birth. Court records show that Ms Musimenta allegedly gave birth to twins on March 12, 2012.
The couple and a civil society organization, Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD) jointly sued the hospital after the baby went missing.
According to court records, the couple searched for their missing child or its body only for the hospital to give them a fresh corpse three days after delivery.
DNA results from the tests on the body given to them by the hospital indicated that they were not its biological parents.
Further in their law suit, the couple claims that the mortuary entries on the fateful day do not show any body registered by their names and that they have suffered mental torture as a result of the hospital’s actions, adding that their right to parenthood was violated by the hospital.
The couple also claims that the hospital denied them access to medical records regarding the birth of their twins and also allegedly took away one of them without their permission.
They are now seeking general damages from the hospital for their actions.
