MBARARA, Uganda — The Management Board of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) has honoured a hospital cleaner with an Integrity Award after he foiled an alleged plot to steal a newborn baby from the hospital’s maternity ward.
Charles Begumisa was presented with a brand-new smartphone by the hospital’s Management Board Chairman, Dr. James Mugume, in recognition of his honesty and vigilance, which led to the arrest of a suspect accused of attempting to orchestrate the theft.
According to hospital officials, Begumisa’s actions led to the arrest of Ruth Tindimwebwa, 35, on July 15, 2026. She is alleged to have offered him UGX 1 million to help steal a baby boy from the maternity ward.
Begumisa said the incident occurred at around 5:00 p.m. while he was on his way to dispose of rubbish at the hospital incinerator. He recalled that Tindimwebwa approached him and offered him money in exchange for helping her steal a baby.
Shocked by the proposal, Begumisa immediately informed a colleague before reporting the matter to hospital security officer Mr. Okello.
“We agreed that instead of arresting her immediately, I should call her and pretend to cooperate,” Begumisa explained.
Acting on the plan, Begumisa later contacted the suspect, who was in the Surgical Ward, and falsely told her that he had identified a baby but required a deposit before handing the child over.
The suspect reportedly gave him UGX 160,000 as a deposit and promised to pay the balance once the baby had been secured. She then accompanied Begumisa around the hospital, allegedly searching for a suitable opportunity to steal a child from the maternity ward. According to Begumisa, she intended to remain at the hospital overnight until around 4:00 a.m., a time he had suggested would be convenient.
Hospital security officers, working jointly with the Uganda Police Force, arrested Tindimwebwa between the Surgical Ward and the Adult Oncology Unit before the alleged plan could be executed.
A search of her bag reportedly recovered baby clothes, while the money she had handed to Begumisa and his mobile phone were secured as exhibits. Police opened a case of attempted child theft at Mbarara Central Police Station.
Hospital management said the suspect has since appeared before court and was remanded to Mbarara Government Prison as investigations continue.
While presenting the award, Dr. Mugume praised Begumisa for demonstrating exceptional integrity and professionalism.
“It is important to have workers with such discipline and integrity while executing their duties. The country needs more people like him,” he said.
He also commended the vigilance of hospital staff, emphasizing that protecting patients and their families is a shared responsibility for everyone working within the facility.
The Acting Senior Executive Consultant and Senior Consultant General Surgeon, Dr. Deus Twesigye, applauded Begumisa for refusing to participate in the alleged crime. He revealed that the hospital has strengthened surveillance measures to prevent theft and other security incidents.
Dr. Twesigye urged staff to strictly adhere to the hospital’s uniform and identification policy and to report any suspicious individuals to security personnel without delay.
Mbarara District Health Officer and Hospital Board member, Dr. Peter Ssebutinde, described the recognition as a positive step that will motivate staff to uphold professionalism and integrity while performing their duties.
An emotional Begumisa described the award as “a dream come true” and pledged to continue serving the hospital with honesty and dedication.
Hospital management noted that the installation of additional CCTV cameras and heightened staff vigilance have significantly improved security, making the facility a far more difficult target for criminals.
As one of Uganda’s busiest referral hospitals, receiving more than 30,000 patients every month, MRRH has also finalized plans to deploy additional security personnel while strengthening collaboration with local security agencies.
The hospital has previously faced cases of child theft. In 2023, a newborn was allegedly taken by a person known to the family under the pretext of taking the baby for immunization. The child was later found abandoned in Ruti and reunited with the mother, although the suspect was never arrested.
In another incident, a baby was allegedly stolen while the mother was taking a shower. The child was later recovered from a man who claimed to be the father.
Hospital officials say Begumisa’s recognition sends a strong message that integrity, vigilance, and teamwork remain critical in safeguarding patients and combating crime within healthcare facilities.
