The deceased, identified as Macline Naweza, died under suspicious circumstances on June 22, 2026, at Rubu Nyai Cell in Ayivu East Division, Arua City.
The child’s biological parents, Samuel Dradeyo and Comfort Draduyo, were arrested after police opened a murder investigation following the discovery of the baby’s body inside a green water bucket at their home.
According to police, the mother reportedly left the baby sleeping in the house with the father before going to a nearby garden.
Upon her return about an hour later, she allegedly found both the father and the baby missing and raised an alarm.
Residents joined a search that later led to the discovery of the infant inside a bucket with her head facing downward and legs pointing upwards. Police also reported visible bruises around the child’s neck.
West Nile Regional Police spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia said the decision to release the suspects on bond was made to allow them to take part in the burial of their child as investigations continue.
“The two parents who were arrested were later released on police bond following requests from community members who felt it was important for them to first bury their child before returning to assist police with investigations,” Angucia said.
She, however, cautioned that the release does not close the case, noting that investigations remain active.
“This is an active investigation. The parents were released on police bond and are required to report back to police on June 30, 2026. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of the child are ongoing,” she added.
Angucia urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation as detectives work to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the death.
Police said the case was registered at Ayivu East Division under CRB 108/26, with officers having already documented the scene, recorded witness statements and conducted a postmortem examination.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities seek to establish what led to the infant’s death.