A newborn baby has been rescued alive from a pit latrine in eastern Uganda after a 22-year-old student gave birth in secret at a private clinic, according to police reports.
The incident took place on Saturday in Ivukula Town Council, Namutumba District, where the student, a Senior Two pupil, had been taken by her mother to Baluka Monica’s Clinic after experiencing labor pains at home.
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Upon arrival at the clinic, the young woman reportedly asked to use the toilet and was directed to the facility’s latrine. Moments later, she returned without revealing she had given birth.
“About five minutes later, we saw blood on her legs and asked where the baby was. She didn’t respond,” her mother, Rose Wampewo, told local media.
The clinic staff and her mother, concerned by her silence, alerted local authorities. The village chairperson notified police in Ivukula, who then called for backup from the fire brigade in neighboring Iganga District.
With help from residents, emergency responders broke through the latrine structure and retrieved the baby—still alive—from a 50-foot-deep pit.
“The infant was found in human waste and had already been infested with maggots in the ears, mouth, and other parts of the body,” said Michael Kafayo, spokesperson for the Busoga East Police Region.
Both the baby and mother were taken to Ivukula Health Centre III for medical treatment. The student was later arrested and charged with attempted infanticide, although she has since been released on bond to care for the baby.
Police have condemned the incident and warned that anyone involved in baby abandonment or unlawful abortion will face criminal charges.
“Every child has the right to life. Abandoning or attempting to kill a newborn is a serious offense,” Mr Kafayo said.
Local leaders have also raised concerns about limited intervention from the district’s child welfare services.
“There is a worrying gap in awareness, especially among young girls, about the legal and moral consequences of abortion and baby dumping,” said Noah Nduga, LC3 chairperson of Ivukula Town Council.
The identity of the student and her school have been withheld to protect her privacy.
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