An increasing number of Ugandans are turning to Kenyan mortuaries for embalming and preservation services as local facilities in Uganda struggle to meet basic mortuary standards.
In districts such as Busia, Namayingo, Bugiri, and Tororo, mortuaries are severely under-equipped, lacking cold rooms, storage space, and essential preservation tools.
The Daily Monitor reported that families are forced to transport their loved ones across the border into Kenya to seek better mortuary services.
Health authorities in Tororo District have since asked the government to construct a bigger and modern mortuary to accommodate more bodies and provide better services.
Also Read: Why Mortuary Science Course Is in High Demand
Why Ugandans are Flocking Kenyan Mortuaries
In a telephone interview with The Daily Monitor, Connie Bwire, the Tororo District Health Officer, said that the mortuary they have been using can only accommodate six bodies.
Additionally, they only use formalin to preserve the bodies, which therefore can only be stored for a week.
Consequently, Kenyan mortuaries, particularly in nearby towns along the border, have become the unexpected lifeline for many Ugandan families.
Busia operates two mortuaries at Masafu Hospital and Busia Health Centre IV. Interestingly, Ugandans face higher preservation costs in Kenya compared to locals.
However, the locals believe that the trend is especially influenced by Kenyan cultural practices, where it is common to preserve the deceased for a week or two before burial, leading to the development of more advanced mortuary facilities.
On the other hand, some Ugandan communities often keep bodies at home during funeral preparations.
However, transporting bodies across borders presents its own logistical and financial challenges, adding to the burden during an already difficult time.
Also Read: City Mortuary Filled to the Brim Unable to Take More Bodies
High Intake of Mortuary Science in Kenya
Kenya has seen gradual development of health facilities since the advent of devolution in 2013.
At the same time, there is a growing demand for the Mortuary Science program offered at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campuses.
When the course was first introduced in March 2023, its rapid popularity took many by surprise.
KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch in February said that interest in the program had surged significantly since its launch. Therefore, to maintain quality training, the program was being regulated with a limited number of admissions.
Dr. Oluoch also pointed out that the majority of applicants are supported by public health facilities or private organizations.
“Initially, we received 250 applications against our capacity of 50 slots. We have since expanded to accommodate more students, and today, the number of applicants runs into hundreds,” he said.
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