A 40-year-old woman from Sheema District has welcomed six babies into the world, underscoring both the joy of new life and the increasing economic and healthcare challenges.
The newborns, comprising five boys and one girl, exemplify the miracle of birth while also highlighting the pressures of parenting in Uganda’s current economic landscape.
Born prematurely at seven months through a cesarean section at Neo Care Fertility Centre in Mbarara City, the infants were subsequently transferred to Holy Innocents Children’s Hospital for specialised care in the intensive care unit.
Medical professionals report that all the infants are under close observation and receiving necessary interventions to aid their development and survival.
“It was not an easy journey,” Glorious reflected on her challenging pregnancy. “At three months, things were precarious… by seven months, I was unable to move.”
Doctors advised that the babies should be delivered early due to concerns about her uterus potentially rupturing.
While she felt relief at having delivered safely, anxiety about the forthcoming months lingered.
Her husband, Vincent Tumwesigye, a 30-year-old teacher, expressed his astonishment and concern, saying, “I always heard about such cases from other countries, but now it has happened to us in Uganda.”
He added, “With my family, we will support these children, though caring for six is a daunting task. Any additional assistance would be appreciated.”
Dr. Mike Kyewalyanga, a paediatrician at Holy Innocents Children’s Hospital, stated, “We will ensure these babies thrive; both the mother and father need support to ensure these infants leave the hospital healthy.”
As the couple embarks on this unexpected chapter of their lives, they are also grappling with immediate practical needs such as feeding, housing, and transportation.
Their experience has evoked public admiration and sparked renewed discussions regarding Uganda’s maternal health support system and the resilience required from its citizens.
Currently, Glorious and Vincent are focused on the essentials: getting through each day while hoping the community and possibly the government will assist them in meeting their needs.
Their situation highlights the broader socioeconomic difficulties faced by many households in Uganda.
The country’s high fertility rate, combined with a fragile public health system and rising costs of living, has placed immense pressure on families, particularly those with numerous dependents.
Over 41% of Uganda’s population is under the age of 15, and research consistently indicates that household size significantly impacts food security and access to essential services.
