The death of Kalangala Woman MP, Hon. Hellen Nakimuli has triggered renewed public scrutiny of surgical procedures commonly considered routine, particularly fibroid removal operations that thousands of Ugandan women undergo each year.

Hon. Nakimuli, 40, died on April 19, 2026, following a surgical procedure in Kampala. While authorities have launched investigations into the exact cause of her death, medical experts say her passing has brought attention to the often underestimated risks associated with fibroid surgery.

Fibroids, non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus, affect an estimated 20 to 28 percent of women in Uganda, making them one of the most common reproductive health conditions in the country. Although many cases are manageable, surgery is often recommended when symptoms become severe, including heavy bleeding, pain, or fertility complications.

However, according to Ugandan medical professionals, these procedures are not without risk.

“These risks include excessive blood loss, blood clots, anaesthesia risks, infection, scarring, and recurrence of fibroids,” doctors explain, highlighting that even well-planned operations can quickly become complex.

One of the most significant dangers during fibroid surgery is excessive bleeding. Because fibroids grow within the muscle of the uterus, removing them often involves cutting through highly vascular tissue. In severe cases, patients may require blood transfusions or emergency interventions.

“Surgery involves cutting, and it may involve opening blood vessels,” explains Dr. Andabati, noting that while surgeons use techniques to control bleeding, the risk cannot be completely eliminated.

Another critical risk lies in anaesthesia complications, which experts say remain a concern in many low- and middle-income countries, including Uganda. Research cited in medical studies shows that anaesthesia-related issues account for a notable percentage of surgical deaths, often linked to breathing complications, equipment failure, or incorrect dosage.

Doctors also point to infection and post-surgical complications as potential threats. If not properly managed, infections can escalate into life-threatening conditions such as sepsis. Additionally, poorly executed procedures may lead to long-term complications like endometriosis, a painful condition where tissue grows outside the uterus.

“If the repair is not done well, some tissue can end up outside where it is supposed to be, leading to future complications,” explains Dr. Emma Adongakulu, a Ugandan obstetrician and gynaecologist.

Even when surgery is successful, the risks do not necessarily end there. Fibroids have a high rate of recurrence, with some studies indicating that up to 40 percent of women may develop new fibroids within two years of surgery.

“So, you can never remove all of them,” says Dr. Othiniel Musana, explaining that surgery often removes only visible growths, leaving smaller ones that may later develop.

Beyond the clinical risks, experts say delayed diagnosis and limited access to quality healthcare services further complicate outcomes for many Ugandan women. In some cases, women only seek treatment when symptoms have become severe, increasing the likelihood of complications during surgery.

Dr. Jolly Joe Lapat warns that untreated fibroids can themselves become life-threatening, primarily due to excessive bleeding leading to severe anaemia. “You can lose a lot of blood and if it is not diagnosed early, you can die, not because of the fibroid itself, but because of the complications,” he explains.

Nakimuli’s death has therefore sparked broader concern, with health advocates calling for increased awareness, better pre-surgical counselling, and stronger healthcare systems to manage such conditions.

While fibroid surgery remains a critical and often life-improving procedure, medical professionals emphasize the importance of early detection, regular checkups, and informed decision-making.

“If the fibroids are detected early when they are still small, the outcome is likely to be better and the risk of complications is lower,” Dr. Andabati advises.

As investigations into Nakimuli’s death continue, her passing has become more than a moment of national mourning, it is now part of a growing conversation about women’s health, surgical safety, and the urgent need to strengthen systems that protect patients at their most vulnerable.

For many Ugandan women, it is a reminder that even common medical procedures carry risks, and that access to safe, quality healthcare remains a matter of life and death