Police in Mubende District have arrested four suspects in connection with the theft of a three-week-old baby who was later recovered alive following an intelligence led operation.

The incident occurred on the evening of April 25 at around 7:00pm in Kitonzi A Village, Lubimbiri Sub-county, when the child’s mother, Ainembabazi Janet, briefly left her home to buy domestic items from a nearby trading centre, leaving her infant son, Sentume Dillan, asleep in the house.

Upon her return, the baby was missing, prompting immediate alarm and a search by neighbours. The matter was subsequently reported to Lubimbiri Police Station.

Investigations quickly gained momentum after a neighbour revealed that a man identified as Sebuliba Yahaya had been seen at the victim’s home around the time the child disappeared. Police arrested the suspect, who reportedly confessed to the crime and led investigators to further suspects.

According to Police, Sebuliba revealed that he had been hired by Nakacwa Jovia, a resident of Namagogo Cell in Mubende Municipality. Authorities also apprehended her husband, Ndayizeye Claude, who told investigators that his wife had misled him into believing she was pregnant and had been attending antenatal visits, only for him to later receive information that she had delivered a baby boy.

In the early hours of the following morning, at approximately 5:30am, police conducted an intelligence led operation in Kiruma Trading Centre, where Nakacwa Jovia was arrested from the home of Kababiito Sharon, who is also now in custody for allegedly aiding her.

The stolen baby was successfully recovered from the suspect in good health and has since been reunited with his mother.

Wamala Region Police spokesperson SSP L Kigozi confirmed the arrests and said the case file is being processed and will be forwarded to the Resident State Attorney in Mubende for sanctioning of charges.

“We appeal to men to always accompany their women for antenatal visits to enable them detect such deceitful women on matters related to pregnancies,” Kigozi said.

Police say investigations are ongoing as the suspects remain in custody.