Several senior police officers and members of the public have accused the Uganda Police Force and Bethany Hospital in Kampala of negligence in connection with the death of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Henrietta Namande, an expectant mother of twins.
Namande, who served as a staff officer in the Police Press and Public Relations Department, died after developing serious complications related to her pregnancy. Her death has sparked concern among her family, colleagues and members of the public over the medical care she received during her final hours.
During prayers held at St Gyavira Catholic Church in Bunamwaya, family members and police officers questioned the circumstances surrounding her treatment and alleged that delays and lack of critical medical facilities contributed to her death.
One of the family members said the family called an ambulance after Namande developed serious complications. According to the family, the ambulance arrived about 15 minutes later, but they were reportedly referred from one facility to another after being told that oxygen and intensive care facilities were unavailable.
“When Henrietta developed serious complications, they called an ambulance which came in 15 minutes. We took her to the first clinic and we were told they had no oxygen. Then we went to Bethany and they said they also had no ICU,” a family member said.
Another relative questioned how a hospital could operate without an intensive care unit while treating patients who may require critical care.
“How can a whole hospital lack an ICU yet it admits people who are always in critical conditions? Why can’t the government revoke its operating licence?” the relative asked.
Some police officers also used the occasion to raise concerns about the absence of comprehensive medical insurance for police officers, arguing that such a scheme could help officers access timely treatment at recognised health facilities.
“If Police had insurance for its officers in well-known and recognised hospitals, Henrietta wouldn’t have died,” one officer said.
Another officer questioned why police officers do not have a comprehensive health insurance scheme similar to those available to staff in some other government institutions.
“If you carefully listened to the speeches, our late Nalongo died because of negligence. If Police had insurance, she would not have moved from clinic to clinic while trying to save her life,” the officer said.
Another officer described Namande’s death as a lesson for the Police Force, particularly regarding the welfare of lower-ranking officers.
“If a senior officer died like that, what about the lower-ranking officers? They will die like rats,” the officer said.
However, the allegations made by the relatives and police officers have not been independently established, and neither the Uganda Police Force nor Bethany Hospital has been quoted in the account as responding to the claims.
Namande’s death has left a deep sense of loss within the Uganda Police Force, particularly among her colleagues in the Press and Public Relations Department, where she served with distinction.
Representing the Deputy Inspector General of Police, SCP Fred Enanga described Namande as “a rare gift to the Force” and praised her for being kind-hearted, humble, disciplined, caring, committed and professional.
He said Namande was a woman whose character spoke louder than her rank and played an important role in transforming police communication and relations with the media.
According to Enanga, Namande contributed to the expansion of Crime Reporters’ Fora across the country, strengthened police cooperation with the media through tours and engagements, and supported regular press briefings and the expansion of the Police Force’s digital presence on platforms including X, WhatsApp and Instagram.
“She was the silent engine behind all of it, driving us forward even when resources were thin and challenges were many. We never gave up; we kept lobbying, kept believing, kept building,” Enanga said.
Beyond her professional duties, Namande was remembered as a caring colleague who supported many police officers in their personal lives. Her colleagues said she mobilised savings among personnel, helped some acquire land and build homes, and was always willing to listen to those facing difficulties.
She was also described as a person who quietly solved problems, protected confidences and offered support without seeking recognition.
Her colleagues said she was often among the last people to leave the office, always ready to listen and known for her infectious smile.
Police officers and other mourners praised her contribution to the professionalisation of the Press and Public Relations Department and said she left behind a strong legacy within the Force.
Namande was remembered not only as a police officer, but also as a mother, sister, mentor and friend whose kindness touched many lives.
She is expected to be laid to rest in Ssemuto, Kapeeka, as family members, friends and colleagues continue to mourn her death.
