Police in Kassanda District have launched investigations into a disturbing incident in which an unidentified woman, posing as a health worker, allegedly abducted a three-day-old baby from Kiganda Health Centre IV.
The infant, a girl, is the daughter of Joachim Muhindo and Ruth Nalubowa , residents of Katosi Cell. The couple had taken their newborn to the facility on March 12, 2026, after she developed complications shortly after birth.
According to police, the baby was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where she responded well to treatment. On March 14, she was transferred to the postnatal ward as she awaited discharge.
However, on March 15, an unidentified woman reportedly entered the ward disguised as a medical officer. Kassanda District Police spokesperson Lameck Kigozi said the suspect moved confidently from bed to bed, pretending to review patients and their treatment notes.
“The woman behaved like a medical officer. She checked treatment notes for several patients before approaching the mother of the newborn,” Kigozi said.
Police say the suspect picked up the baby, examined her file, and falsely claimed that the infant’s condition had suddenly worsened and required urgent medication not available at the facility.
To make her story convincing, the woman reportedly gave the mother Shs10,000 and instructed her to rush to a nearby pharmacy to purchase the drugs.
“She told the mother that the baby’s condition was deteriorating and directed her to buy medicine outside the facility. She even provided money,” Kigozi added.
While the mother was away, the suspect allegedly fled the facility with the newborn.
The disappearance was discovered when the mother returned to the ward and found both the woman and her baby missing.
The case was immediately reported to Kiganda Police Station, triggering investigations and a search operation.
Police have appealed to residents in Kiganda Town Council and the wider Wamala Region to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals.
“We urge anyone who sees a woman with a newborn, especially one not known to have been pregnant, to inform the nearest police station immediately,” Kigozi said.
Authorities say efforts to trace the suspect and recover the baby are ongoing. Health facilities have also been urged to strengthen security and patient verification procedures to prevent similar incidents.
