Moyo, Uganda: Police in Moyo District have arrested a woman for attempted murder after she allegedly threw her newborn baby boy into a pit latrine at Moyo General Hospital in a shocking incident that has left health workers and residents stunned.
The suspect, identified as Christine, was arrested on Thursday night, April 9, 2026, and is currently under police guard at Moyo General Hospital as investigations continue.
According to North West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SP Collins Asea, the incident came to light at around 7:00 am when hospital support staff heard a baby crying from inside one of the facility’s pit latrines.
“At approximately 07:00 hours, hospital support staff heard a baby crying from inside the pit latrine. They immediately alerted the hospital administration, which informed police,” Asea said.
Police officers, including detectives and Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO), responded swiftly, secured the scene, and successfully rescued the baby alive.
The infant was immediately taken for medical care and is currently in stable condition.
Police confirmed that the suspect was arrested at the scene and later admitted to having given birth to the child.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Christine had recently moved from Terego District to Moyo, where she had been working at a kiosk in Moyo Town.
According to Asea, the suspect reportedly cited fear and inability to raise the child alone as the reason behind her actions. “In a moment of distress, she decided to dispose of the infant by throwing him into the pit latrine,” Asea said.
Forensic Investigations Ongoing
Police collected blood samples from both the scene and the baby to aid forensic investigations. Authorities are also tracing the suspect’s relatives in Terego District, who she claims could provide support.
The case has been registered as attempted murder under reference MOYO CPS CRB 103/2026.
Rising Concern Over Child-Related Offences
The incident adds to a broader concern over child-related offences in Uganda, often linked to distress, poverty, and lack of support systems.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, a total of 8,064 child-related offences were reported nationwide in 2025, marking a 14.3% decrease from 9,408 cases recorded in 2024.
The report highlights cases such as child neglect, abandonment, and disappearance, with child desertion alone accounting for 1,205 cases in 2025.
While overall crime dropped by 10.2%—from 218,715 cases in 2024 to 196,405 in 2025—authorities warn that vulnerable children remain at significant risk.
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