ASP Henrietta Namande Dies Aged 44 From Pregnancy Complications

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The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has been plunged into shock and mourning following the sudden death of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Henrietta Namande, who passed away over the weekend due to severe pregnancy-related complications.

Namande, 44, who was serving under the police’s Public Relations department, lost her life on Saturday morning. The tragic medical emergency also claimed her unborn twins.

Colleagues, senior police leadership, and family members gathered on Monday, September 14, at St. Gyaviira Catholic Parish in Bunamwaya for a emotional requiem mass to pay tribute to her two-decade legacy in the force.

Speaking during the church service, Namande’s sister, Nassanga, recounted the family’s frantic attempt to secure critical medical attention during her sister’s final hours.

According to Nassanga, Namande had returned home from work at around 9:00 PM on Friday after discussing school preparations for her children. However, at around 1:00 AM on Saturday, she woke up experiencing severe, contraction-like abdominal pain despite not being due for delivery.

The family immediately rushed her to Bismillah Medical Centre in Kitebi. Medical personnel at the facility administered painkillers and treated her for what they initially described as mild malaria. When the pain persisted, she was given a second injection. Shortly after, Namande began sweating profusely and struggling to breathe.

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As her condition rapidly deteriorated, clinic staff recommended oxygen support, but the facility lacked oxygen equipment. An emergency ambulance was called to transfer her to Bethany Women and Family Hospital in Kira, leaving Kitebi at around 5:00 AM.

Upon arrival at Bethany Hospital, doctors determined that Namande required specialized Intensive Care Unit (ICU) management, which they could not provide, prompting an urgent referral to TMR Hospital in Naalya. Tragically, by the time the ambulance arrived at TMR Hospital, Namande had already passed away. Her unborn twins were also confirmed dead, and the body was returned to Kitebi for delivery of the deceased twins.

Nassanga expressed deep gratitude to Namande’s police colleagues, who rushed to the medical facilities to support the family and cover emergency medical expenses.

Namande joined the Uganda Police Force as a Police Constable in 2004, initially assigned to the Public Relations department. Over her 22-year career, she actively pursued higher education, earning both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s qualification in public relations and public administration while steadily rising through the police ranks to ASP.

Senior police figures praised Namande for her selflessness and dedication to the welfare of fellow officers.

Former Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango remembered Namande as a compassionate and generous officer who frequently used her personal funds to assist colleagues in financial distress.

Former police spokesperson Fred Enanga highlighted her role in driving financial literacy and stability within the force, noting that her initiative in encouraging officers to save and invest had enabled many to buy land and build family homes.