Residents of Gomba District are grappling with shock and amazement following the birth of a baby boy reportedly clutching a religious medal in his hand—an unusual incident that has sparked intense curiosity, debate, and excitement across the area.
The birth occurred in Saali village, where 30-year-old Sylvia Nakalanzi gave birth to a baby boy who has since become the centre of attention.
Witnesses claim the newborn was born holding a Saint Anthony of Padua medal, a Catholic devotional item depicting Saint Anthony cradling the infant Jesus.
Some residents have even nicknamed the baby “Jesus,” citing what they believe are extraordinary signs surrounding his arrival.
According to the parents and eyewitnesses, the medal was present at birth and bears a detailed image of Saint Anthony holding the infant Jesus.
Unlike ordinary medals, this one reportedly lacks the usual hole for a chain, instead featuring small metal attachments on either side—an unusual design that has fueled speculation.
Observers also claim the newborn appears unusually developed for his age, with facial features and a body size resembling that of a one-month-old baby, despite having been born just hours earlier.
Witnesses say the infant grips the medal tightly, seemingly aware of its presence even before opening his eyes, allowing those present to clearly see the engraved image.
Sylvia Nakalanzi recounted her shock upon noticing what her child was holding.
“After I had delivered, the health worker brought my baby to me. We noticed he was holding something in his hand. When we examined it closely, we realized it was a Saint Anthony medal showing the infant Jesus,” she said.
“I kept asking myself how it was possible for a baby I had just delivered to be holding a metal object. The birth attendant calmed me down and assured me the baby was healthy. I was terrified and shaking, but they kept encouraging me,” she added.
Nakalanzi further revealed that the baby seems to calm immediately whenever the medal touches him.
“What I have noticed is that whenever the baby cries and the medal touches him, he immediately stops crying,” she said.
The mother clarified that she did not deliver at a modern health facility but was assisted by a traditional birth attendant, Rovinsa Najjemba, noting that all three of her children were born outside hospital settings.
Ms. Najjemba confirmed the incident, describing it as the most astonishing experience in her 42 years of assisting births.
“The joy I felt is indescribable. After delivering the baby and cleaning him, the mother told me he was holding something. When I checked, I found a Saint Anthony medal depicting the infant Jesus. I felt a strange and powerful sensation. In all my years of work, I have never seen anything like this,” Najjemba said.
News of the birth quickly spread, attracting crowds of curious residents eager to witness the child.
The baby’s father, Jonan Kakulu, admitted that the experience has left him torn between joy and fear.
“I feel joy, but at the same time I am overwhelmed. In our family, we have never seen anything like this. When I was first told my wife had given birth to a baby holding a medal, I thought it was impossible,” he said.
Kakulu added that the family is still uncertain about what steps to take next, including deciding on a name for the child.
“Right now, I do not know what to do. Even choosing a name for the child is difficult,” he said.
Across Saali village and Gomba District, reactions have been mixed. While excitement dominates, some residents urge caution as investigations continue.
“We usually hear such stories happening elsewhere, but today it has happened right here in our village. We don’t need to go to Rwanda or Namugongo—Jesus is here with us,” some locals remarked.
As curiosity grows, many are calling for both religious and medical authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the birth to establish the facts behind this extraordinary occurrence.