By Karim Were
What began as a troubling case of a missing newborn at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital has taken an unexpected turn, with investigators now focusing on serious allegations against the child’s father—raising new questions about the direction of the case.
The baby reportedly disappeared shortly after birth on July 19, 2025, sparking alarm among family members and the wider community. Initially, attention centered on the hospital’s security and possible negligence, with relatives accusing the facility of failing to protect a vulnerable mother and her child.
Family members insist the hospital has questions to answer. They argue that a newborn could not vanish without lapses in supervision, and they are considering legal action to hold the institution accountable.
However, the case shifted dramatically when police detained both parents during the course of the investigation. According to the baby’s grandmother, Florence Nabirye, the couple had been assisting police in reviewing CCTV footage from the hospital when events took a confusing turn. After returning to the police station, they were unexpectedly ordered into custody.
The following day, the father was brought before court on allegations of defilement, while the mother was released without charge. The development has left the family puzzled, questioning how the investigation into a missing infant led to criminal charges unrelated to the disappearance.
Police spokesperson Helen Butoto confirmed that CCTV footage from the hospital is under review as part of ongoing inquiries. Meanwhile, hospital administrators say they are cooperating with authorities but have not provided detailed explanations regarding the incident.
Local leaders and residents remain concerned, emphasizing that the central issue—the missing baby—has yet to be resolved. They are calling for transparency from both investigators and hospital management.
As the investigation continues, the case now straddles two serious matters: the unexplained disappearance of a newborn and criminal allegations against a parent. With no confirmed information on the baby’s whereabouts, pressure is mounting on authorities to deliver answers and ensure justicefor all involved.
