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KASSANDA - The Police in Kassanda district have launched a manhunt for a woman who stole a one-month-old baby from its mother while at a health facility. 

It is said the mother had taken her baby for immunisation and without any suspicion, she left her baby with a woman who was seated next to her and went to buy food but on return, she had disappeared. 

According to Wamala Police region spokesperson Rachael Kawala, the incident occurred at about 5:00pm on Monday, October 16, 2023, at Kiganda Health Centre IV.  

She identified the missing female baby as Shivan Nantadde, daughter of Peace Kyarimpa, 25, a resident of Buyonga zone in Kiganda town council, Kassanda. 

According to Kawala, Kyalimpa took her baby for immunisation and while at the facility, she entrusted it to a woman whom she only recognised by face and requested for assistance while she went to buy food. 

However, according to Kawala, upon her return, the mother realised that both the woman and her baby were not in the place. 

She tried to search around the health facility premises but to no avail. “The mother reported the disappearance of her baby to the health facility management, who in turn contacted the Police,” Kawala said.

She added that the crime scene was thoroughly examined, and relevant statements were recorded from witnesses to aid in the ongoing investigation. She added that the police were still engaged in efforts to recover the baby and arrest the suspect.

“We at the same time urge parents to exercise utmost caution and refrain from leaving their children in the care of strangers,” she said and appealed to anyone with information that can help in locating and reuniting the baby with her family to report to the nearest police station or call their toll-free hotline at 0800300118.   

Theft of babies rampant

The theft of babies in Uganda has risen in recent years. For instance, the Police of Amuria district on July 11, 2023, rescued an eight-day-old baby boy born to Esther Alebo who was admitted at Amuria General Hospital where she had undergone a caesarean section.

 East Kyoga Police region spokesperson Oscar Gregg Ageca said the suspect was arrested and identified as Jessica Akello, the wife of Isaac Aisu, a soldier, who confessed to having stolen the baby since she did not have any children of her own.

Another case happened on February 16, 2023, at Arua Regional Referral Hospital.

A one old baby that was stolen by a one Loyce. The new mother Flavia Tisia was delivered by a caesarean section and was referred to Arua Regional Referral Hospital from Wariki Health Center III, Logiri where she had been booked for delivery.

According to the father of the baby, Gasper Atiku, the alleged thief pretended to help the mother who was unable to take the baby for immunisation.

 Police advised childless couples who want to be legal parents of children to consider adopting.