Masaka Hospital Newborn Theft: Two Suspects Apprehended

Police in Masaka City have arrested two women for allegedly stealing a newborn baby from Masaka Regional Referral Hospital. The mother of the baby, Ms. Charity Mbabazi, reported that two women unknown to her befriended her in the maternity ward on January 12, 2024. One of the suspects, Aisha Naluyange, claimed to have also delivered a baby, but hers was allegedly in the intensive care unit due to breathing complications.

Ms. Mbabazi became suspicious when Naluyange could not provide clear answers about breastfeeding her baby. The suspects convinced Ms. Mbabazi’s husband to buy clothes for the baby. During their absence, the baby went missing. Naluyange explained that the baby had been taken to the incubator due to complications, but a search revealed the baby was not there.

It was discovered that Naluyange, in collaboration with another suspect, Zainab Assimwe, attempted to move the baby outside the hospital. However, security at the gate stopped Assimwe for lacking the discharge form, leading to their arrest. The suspects are held at Masaka Central Police as investigations continue. They may face charges of theft and trafficking in children