By Robert Segawa
A three-day-old baby has been stolen from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kiganda Health Center IV in Kassanda District by an unidentified woman who allegedly posed as a medical officer.
According to reports, the parents of the infant, Muhindo Joachim and Nalubowa Ruth, residents of Katosi Cell in Kiganda Town Council, took their newborn daughter to the health facility on March 12, 2026, after she developed complications shortly after birth.
Upon arrival, the baby was admitted to the ICU, where she responded well to treatment. By Saturday, she had improved and was transferred to the postnatal ward as she awaited discharge.
Lameck Kigozi, the Wamala Region Police spokesperson, stated that on Sunday, an unidentified woman entered the ward disguised as a medical officer. She reportedly moved around the ward, checking on patients and reviewing their treatment notes.
Kigozi explained that when the suspect reached the baby’s bed, she picked up the infant and examined her treatment notes. She then informed the mother that the baby’s condition had worsened and required medication that had not yet been administered.
The suspect allegedly gave Nalubowa 10,000 Ugandan shillings to purchase the medicine from a pharmacy. While the mother was away, the woman fled with the baby.
When Nalubowa returned, she found the baby missing, and the woman who had sent her to buy the medication had disappeared. She immediately raised an alarm, attracting attention from other patients and staff, who began searching for the missing infant.
Kigozi added that the case has been reported to Kiganda Police Station, where statements have been recorded. Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect.
“We appeal to anyone in Kiganda Town, Kassanda District, and the Wamala Region who may come across a woman with a newborn baby—yet was not known to be pregnant—to report to the nearest police station,” Kigozi said.
