Nurse arrested for stealing a baby

Ms Kiconco (R), the mother of the baby narrates her ordeal to hospital officials. Photos by Felix Ainebyona

MBARARA- A nurse attached to Joyce Clinic in Bukanga, Isingiro District has been arrested for allegedly stealing a baby from its mother at Mbarara Referral Hospital.

Joyce Koburungi, reportedly stole the new-born baby from Ms Monic Kiconco, who had a caesarian delivery.

After the operation, Kiconco was sent to maternity ward to rest. It is alleged that Kobutungi went to the ward at about 11 pm with sleeping pills  which she gave to Kiconco’s caretaker and instructed her to give them to the recuperating mother.

It is alleged that Kobutungi returned to the ward at about 2 pm when the mother was in deep sleep and walked out with the infant after telling other women in the ward that she was taking the baby for examination.

Mr Taban Chiriga, the officer in charge of criminal investigations said they arrested they picked the suspect from Golden Monkey Lodges in Mbarara after suspicious members of the public alerted them.

He said suspect would be charged with trafficking in persons.

 The crime attracts a minimum sentence of death once convicted.

Mr Taban said they have learnt that the suspect has had difficulties in conceiving and had deceived her husband who is abroad, that she is pregnant.