Baby rescued alive from pit latrine at Apac school

APAC - A midnight cry from a toilet saved the life of an eight-month-old baby girl who had allegedly been dumped alive in a pit latrine at a private primary school in Apac Municipality, police have said.

The shocking incident occurred at Apac Pride Nursery and Primary School in Temogo A cell, Arocha division, where a vigilant watchman heard persistent cries coming from the latrine area at around 3:00 am on May 23, 2026, and alerted police, triggering a dramatic rescue operation.

According to North Kyoga regional police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema, the matter was reported to Apac Central Police Station at about 3:32 am by Brian Eling, 23, a watchman attached to the school.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Eling became suspicious after hearing unusual cries from the school toilet area. Police officers who responded to the scene confirmed that a baby was trapped inside the pit latrine.

The district police commander for Apac, SP Norah Mirembe, coordinated with the North Kyoga Police Fire and Rescue Services, leading to a joint emergency operation headed by SP Ouni. The rescue team successfully retrieved the baby girl alive from the pit latrine.

The infant, believed to be about eight months old, was rushed to Apac Main Hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment and care.

Police said the school, a private institution offering nursery to Primary Four classes, has no perimeter fence, while the pit latrine openings were found to be wide and easily accessible.

Statements have since been recorded from the school director, Sarah Agugi, 46, and the watchman who reported the incident.

Police have not yet identified the child’s parents or guardians, and no arrests have been made.

However, a case of attempted murder has been registered as investigations continue to establish who abandoned the child and the motive behind the act.
Authorities suspect domestic violence or child neglect could have contributed to the incident.

Police condemned the act as inhumane and urged the public to seek lawful and humane ways of resolving family disputes and child-related challenges.