Kampala. – A doctor, at whose clinic a pregnant woman died during treatment, was yesterday charged with manslaughter and causing death to an unborn baby.
Prosecution alleges that Dr Moses Muhwezi on March 17 at his private clinic in Nalwewuba Village, Mulago, Kawempe Division, killed Mercy Ampiirwe and her unborn baby when he prevented it from being born alive.
Dr Muhwezi appeared before Buganda Road Magistrate’s Court but could not plead to the charges because the magistrate did not have the jurisdiction to hear the case. Both offences are triable by the Chief Magistrate.
“Your file will be forwarded to the Chief Magistrate where you will plead to the charges,” said Grade One Magistrate Simon Kintu.
It is alleged that Ampiirwe had gone to Dr Muhwezi’s clinic to abort. Police say she died during surgery at the clinic near Mulago National Referral Hospital.
A similar case in October last year, saw a 35-year-old doctor Christopher Bingi charged with manslaughter before court in Mukono.
Dr Bingi was held liable for the death of Florence Nakamya, 23, and her unborn baby at Mukono Health Centre IV.
About the law
A person convicted of any of the two offences is liable to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Section 212 of the Penal Code states that any person who prevents the child from being born alive is liable to imprisonment for life. – Monitor
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