police are receiving praise for their quick and effective response after rescuing a newborn baby who had been abandoned in a pit latrine by her 18-year-old mother.
The incident unfolded on January 6, at around 6 a.m., in the Nansaba East area of central Uganda. Niwagaba Praise, a breastfeeding mother, grew concerned when her house help, Ainembabazi Moreen, was late returning home. Niwagaba, aged 39, began searching for Ainembabazi and eventually found her in a pit latrine room, covered in blood, with distressing signs on the floor. Upon hearing the faint cries of a baby from the pit latrine, Niwagaba immediately alerted the police.
Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, reported that a team of officers and fire brigade personnel promptly dug into the pit latrine and successfully retrieved the baby. The infant, found alive, was washed with warm water before being rushed to Kawempe Mulago Referral Hospital. Ainembabazi, still bleeding, was also taken to the hospital for treatment.
A case of attempted infanticide has been filed at Nansana Police Station, and investigations are ongoing. The authorities plan to conduct a thorough interview with Ainembabazi to understand her actions and will also question the father of the baby.
Onyango noted that this incident is part of a troubling trend, referencing another case in the Kasangati town council, Wakiso district, where a 25-year-old mother abandoned her newborn in a pit latrine.
Ugandans have expressed their gratitude to the police force for their swift intervention. Daniel Oweishe commented, “Well done Uganda police on this.” Maridadi Kamagara praised the employer, stating, “We thank her for being responsible and alerting the authorities. We are grateful that the baby was found alive, and we pray for the mother’s recovery and hope she receives counseling.” Muhangi Alex Javira simply said, “Thank you Uganda Police Force.”
