The Uganda Police Force has launched an investigation into the distressing incident of a newborn female twin being stolen from Koboko General Hospital. The theft occurred on March 29, 2024, at approximately 8 p.m., and was reported to the police five days later on April 3, 2024. Details gathered from the scene reveal that on March 21, 2024, at around 9:40 a.m Afekum Baifa gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl, with assistance from Chandiru Beatrice, a 47 year-old resident of Drimu cell, Godia Ward in Koboko Municipality.
During the birth, while Afekum Baifa was asleep, Chandiru Beatrice, her helper, was summoned by Drateru Jelly, a midwife, to accompany her to the placenta pit to dispose of waste. Upon Chandiru’s return, she discovered that the female twin was missing. Despite thorough searches conducted both within the hospital premises and the surrounding neighborhood, the newborn remained untraceable until April 3, 2024, when Asiku Richard, the father of the victim’s parents, reported the incident to the police. It is worth noting that involving non-staff members in nursing and midwifery roles goes against medical ethics and protocols.
According to the Police Spokesperson’s Statements, the theft of a newborn is every mother’s worst nightmare, whether it occurs in hospitals or homes. Unfortunately, such incidents remain prevalent in hospital settings, where perpetrators often “window shop” in maternity wards, targeting new mothers, especially those who have undergone cesarean sections. These perpetrators typically befriend the mothers or their helpers, offering assistance or favors. In this instance, the helper was lured away while the mother was asleep, providing the opportunity for the theft to occur.
Eleven suspects, all of whom are hospital staff members, have been summoned, and their statements have been recorded as part of the investigation. Among them are medical professionals, security guards, administrative personnel, and individuals involved in maternity care. The case file has been submitted to the RSA-Koboko for further review and legal guidance.
Efforts are underway to locate and reunite the stolen baby with her family, while new mothers are urged to exercise caution and vigilance, particularly when approached by strangers who may have ulterior motives, according to a statement on the police website.. Hospital managers are also reminded to implement robust measures within maternity wards to safeguard the well-being of mothers and their newborns.
Fred Enanga, the Uganda Police spokesperson has maintained that the police remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable, and will continue to pursue justice in this matter.
