By Reuben Olita
A 77-year-old woman who lived with long-term health challenges was on Wednesday laid to rest in Amagoro, Teso North Sub-county, Busia County.
The late Scholastica Auma had experienced recurrent illness for many years, which her family associates with complications following a medical procedure during childbirth in mid-1980s. These claims were based solely on family accounts and have not been independently verified by medical authorities or judicial processes.
According to relatives, Auma underwent a blood transfusion during the delivery of her daughter Jackline in 1986 at Bungoma District Hospital, now Bungoma County Referral Hospital. While she was discharged after initial treatment, family members say her health remained fragile in the years that followed.
The family states that subsequent medical consultations indicated the presence of a complex blood-related condition. However, no publicly available medical documentation has established the origin, cause, or timing of the condition, and no determination has been made linking it to any specific medical intervention.
Mama Scholastica passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who described her as resilient, devoted, and deeply faithful.
Her burial prompted renewed public discussion on the importance of strengthening healthcare systems, improving maternal care, and ensuring consistent adherence to medical standards across public health facilities.
Speakers at the funeral framed these concerns as general policy issues, without making specific allegations against any individual practitioner or institution.
Speaking during the funeral service at Kimasat Village, nominated MCA Christine Florence Owuor said the account shared in the eulogy highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by expectant mothers, particularly in under-resourced hospitals, and called for broader reforms in the health sector.
Nominated MCA Eunice Nyongesa echoed the call for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, modern equipment, and continuous professional training for health workers, noting that strong systems are essential to prevent adverse outcomes.
Scholastica’s elder daughter, Angela Nafula Ongura, said she took 40 years to care for her mother’s. Auma leaves behind a rich legacy of love, endurance, and motherhood that will continue to live on through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Angela Nafula served in the second assembly under his H.E. Sospeter Odeke Ojaamong between 2017 and 2022. Over 12 of Angela’s Assembly colleagues joined her in condoling the demise of her mother. Elected former MCAs in attendance included Hon. Lawrence Okaale ( Deputy Speaker), Obwogo John ( Nangina Ward), Hon. Job Oteba ( Angurai East), Hon Gardy Jakaa ( Bukhayo North/Waltsi, and still serving), Hon Simon Asuka ( Marachi North), Linus Asiba ( Matayos South), Hon Grace Olita ( Angurai South) and Hon Pius Ouma alias Mose Baaba).
Nominated MCAs in the second assembly present included Hon Azida Ali, Hon Eunice Nyongesa, Hon Immaculate Odhiambo, Hon Mourine Wabwire, Hon Christine Owuor, and Sophy Marumbu ( Bungoma County Assembly, 2017 and 2022).
Former MCAs included Imwene Ichasi ( First Assembly, Malaba North Ward and Ishmael Orodi, Malaba Central.
Former Busia Woman Represebrstive Florence Mutua described Scholastica as a
devoted mother whose life was marked by faith, resilience, and deep love for family.
“Having worked closely with Hon. Angela; as my Office Manager and Personal Assistant, I have witnessed in her the strength, discipline, humility, and compassion that reflect a strong parental foundation.
Today’s farewell was a true testament to a mother who raised her children on the values of unity, prayer, and perseverance.
She added:”Mama Scholastica faced life’s challenges with quiet courage and unwavering faith, leaving behind a legacy that lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The tributes shared were deeply moving, painting the picture of a woman whose prayers, sacrifice, and love held her family together.”
