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Police at Kasawo Police Station in Naggalama division, Mukono district have recovered a one-month-old child after it was stolen from its mother.

The theft of the child happened at Lusera Cell, Kitale Ward, Kasawo town council in Mukono district after she left him in the hands of her mother-in-law as she went to look for firewood.

Kampala metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire on Tuesday said the child was recovered from a neighbour who had stolen and taken the child to Kamuli district to lie to her boyfriend that she had given birth.

“The territorial Police at Nagalama is pleased to announce a significant development in the recent case of child stealing that was reported at Kasawo Police Station. On October 25, 2023, at approximately 1:00pm Sharon Akugizibwe a 25-year-old housewife residing in Lusera Cell, Kitale Ward, Kasawo town council, reported the theft of her one-month-old baby boy. This child is the son of Alia Makwali Suruman and Akugizibwe,” Owoyesigyire said.

He explained that the incident occurred while Akugizibwe briefly left her child at home under the care of her mother-in-law, Juliet Kiiza, to collect food from a neighbouring house. Upon her return, she discovered that her baby was missing. 

Owoyesigyire said suspicion immediately centred on Justine, Babirye who had been seen near the residence on both the day of the incident and the previous day.

“Kasawo Police Station promptly initiated a comprehensive investigation, opening a case file and contacting the suspect, Babirye, who claimed to be in Busoga but later stated that she was in an undisclosed hospital. With dedication and co-operation from the local community and law enforcement, efforts were made to trace Babirye, leading to her apprehension and the safe recovery of the stolen child,’ he stated.

He noted that local residents of Nawanyago town in Kamuli district played a vital role in this operation, spotting Babirye with the baby during an argument with Robert Muwaire, to whom she had falsely claimed she had given birth. 

The community's vigilance and quick thinking allowed them to question the authenticity of her claim, which, in turn, led to the involvement of local leaders and law enforcement at Kamuli CPS.

“We are pleased to announce that Babirye and Robert Muwaire were taken into custody on October 29, 2023, and they are currently held at Kasawo Police Station. The stolen child is now undergoing a medical examination and will soon be reunited with his mother, Akugizibwe,” Owoyesigyire added.

He said the Kasawo Police Station, “would like to extend its deepest appreciation to the diligent efforts of the local community, residents, and law enforcement agencies that have contributed to the successful resolution of this case. The unity and collaboration displayed by all parties involved have been instrumental in ensuring the safe return of the child and the pursuit of justice in this matter.”

Owoyesigyire stated that the Police remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding the community and, “We urge everyone to continue working together in the pursuit of a safe and secure environment for all. Your cooperation and vigilance play an invaluable role in maintaining the well-being of our society.”