Summary:

• At Koboko General Hospital in Uganda, a newborn baby girl was abducted, prompting a thorough investigation by local authorities. The abduction highlights security vulnerabilities in hospitals and the need for vigilance among new mothers. Efforts are underway to reunite the infant with her family, emphasizing the collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

A newborn baby girl was reportedly abducted from Koboko General Hospital on the evening of March 29th. The theft has prompted a thorough investigation by the Territorial Police in the region, shedding light on lapses in hospital security and the lengths individuals may go to perpetrate such crimes.

The distressing episode came to the fore when Asiku Richard, a 43-year-old resident, and his wife Afekum Baifa, 32, discovered their daughter missing five days after her birth. Afekum Baifa had given birth to twins, a boy and a girl, via cesarean section on March 22nd, assisted by Chandiru Beatrice, a 47-year-old aide. However, their joy turned to despair when one of the newborns vanished while the mother recuperated and the aide momentarily left her side.

Police Spokesperson SCP Fred Enanga said that “while the mother slept, her aide was summoned by a midwife for a routine task, and upon her return, the female twin was nowhere to be found.” This incident has highlighted glaring vulnerabilities in hospital procedures, particularly regarding the involvement of non-staff in critical areas of patient care.

Despite extensive searches conducted within the hospital premises and the surrounding vicinity, the missing infant remains elusive.

In response, authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation, involving eleven hospital personnel, including midwives, security personnel, and administrators. Their testimonies are being meticulously recorded as part of efforts to unravel the truth behind the abduction and bring the perpetrators to justice.

SCP Enanga emphasized that the phenomenon of infant theft is not uncommon, often targeting vulnerable new mothers, particularly those recovering from cesarean sections. “It is a nightmare for every mother,” he remarked, acknowledging the prevalence of such crimes within hospital settings. Perpetrators typically exploit the vulnerability of new mothers or their aides, feigning assistance before absconding with the infants.

To mitigate such risks, authorities have issued a warning to new mothers to remain vigilant against strangers offering uninvited assistance. Additionally, SCP Enanga urged hospital authorities to bolster security measures within maternity wards to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited.