Kitagwenda, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | Efrance Kobusingye, aged 52, has welcomed quintuplets following three decades of trying to have children. The remarkable birth, consisting of three girls and two boys, took place through a cesarean section at Neo Care Clinic in Mbarara City.
Kobusingye, who lives in Nyaruhanda, Kitagwenda District, is married to 62-year-old retired teacher Clesensio Tunanukye.
Sharing her emotions, Kobusingye expressed immense joy and astonishment at finally becoming a mother to five children after years of uncertainty.
Due to being born prematurely at seven months, the quintuplets were immediately transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Holy Innocents Hospital, where they are receiving specialized medical attention.
“I had many checkups at various hospitals, but none could explain the challenges I was facing. I’m excited but also feel helpless, having spent so much money trying to conceive over the years,” she said.
Clesensio Tunanukye expressed the deep happiness the quintuplets have brought to their marriage, which began when Efrance Kobusingye was just 19 years old. After years of attempting to conceive, the birth of their five children has filled their hearts with joy.
Dr. Hillary Aheisibwe, a specialist at Neo Care Specialized Hospital & Fertility Center, revealed that the couple sought help at the clinic in March, following decades of infertility challenges. The successful birth of the quintuplets has marked a momentous and joyous occasion in their long journey to parenthood.
“We performed in vitro fertilization (IVF), where an egg was fertilized with sperm in a laboratory and later returned to her womb,” said Dr. Aheisibwe.
Though the procedure was successful, complications led to the quintuplets being delivered prematurely at seven months. Dr. Hillary Aheisibwe shared that while the babies initially experienced breathing difficulties, there was relief that all five were born alive.
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A nurse from Holy Innocents Hospital, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the quintuplets are now stable and showing signs of improvement.
Infertility is a major challenge in Uganda, affecting around 15 out of every 100 households, according to Aheisibwe. However, advancements in fertility treatments, such as IVF, are providing new hope for couples struggling with infertility.
The birth of the quintuplets has not only brought immense joy to the couple but also a sense of encouragement to many other couples in the region dealing with similar challenges.
