By Karim Were
GULU CITY — A one-day-old baby boy who was allegedly stolen from the maternity ward at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital has been safely recovered, with hospital officials crediting the facility’s Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system and public vigilance for the successful operation.
The newborn was recovered on Tuesday in Laguti Sub-county, Pader District, after community members intercepted a suspect identified as **Kevin Lamaro**, a resident of the area.
According to hospital officials, the suspect allegedly gained the confidence of the baby’s mother, who had given birth only hours earlier, by offering to take the infant for routine immunisation.
However, after obtaining the necessary birth documentation, the suspect allegedly failed to return the child to the maternity ward.
Investigators reviewing CCTV footage reportedly observed the suspect leaving the immunisation unit and taking a different route instead of returning to the ward before leaving the hospital with the baby.
The Principal Hospital Administrator, Walter Uryek-Wun, said the baby’s disappearance was reported to hospital management at about 4:00 p.m. on Monday by the maternity ward in-charge, prompting an immediate investigation.
He said investigators quickly analysed CCTV footage, which provided clear images of the suspect. The images were subsequently circulated to the public, leading to the suspect’s identification and arrest.
According to Uryek-Wun, hospital authorities received information on Tuesday morning that members of the public in Laguti Sub-county had intercepted the suspect and taken both the suspect and the infant to Laguti Police Post.
The baby was later reunited with the mother before being taken for medical attention after reportedly being found in poor health.
The suspect was arrested and is being held at Gulu Central Police Station as police investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged child theft.
Hospital officials said the motive behind the incident remains under investigation, although preliminary findings suggest it may have been premeditated.
Uryek-Wun commended the public for their vigilance and said the incident demonstrated the value of surveillance technology and community cooperation in combating crime.
He also urged mothers to remain vigilant while in maternity wards and cautioned them against entrusting newborn babies to people they do not know.
“We have learnt important lessons from this incident. We shall strengthen monitoring and sensitisation in the maternity ward to prevent similar occurrences in future,” he said.
Police have opened a case of child theft as investigations continue.
Hospital authorities noted that this is not the first time the facility’s CCTV system has aided criminal investigations. Earlier this year, surveillance footage helped investigators identify and arrest a suspect accused of stealing one of the hospital’s official vehicles, highlighting the growing role of technology in enhancing security at public health facilities.
