Tororo -Police in Tororo District have launched an intensive manhunt for a woman suspected of abducting a newborn baby boy from Tororo General Hospital in a shocking incident that occurred on Thursday morning.

According to South Bukedi Regional Police Spokesperson, Mr. Johnson Moses Mugwe, the alleged abduction took place on January 29, 2026, at about 11:00 a.m. The suspect reportedly took advantage of the vulnerability of a young mother moments after delivery.

The baby’s mother, identified as 20-year-old Taka Florence, is a resident of Aturukuku Village in Rubongi Sub-county, Tororo District. Police say Florence had delivered her baby just a day earlier and was still admitted to the maternity ward when the incident happened.

Mr. Mugwe explained that an unidentified woman approached Florence inside the hospital and struck up a conversation before offering to help carry the newborn. Believing the woman to be a well-wisher or fellow patient, Florence accepted the offer.

Shortly afterward, Florence placed her handbag down and briefly stepped out of the ward to buy an item from nearby hospital shops. When she returned a few minutes later, the woman and her baby were nowhere to be seen.

Hospital staff and security were immediately alerted, and a search was conducted within the hospital premises and surrounding areas. However, efforts to trace the suspect proved unsuccessful, prompting Florence to report the matter to Tororo Central Police Station.

Police have since opened a case of child theft and commenced investigations. Statements have been recorded from the victim, hospital staff, and other witnesses who were present at the maternity ward at the time of the incident. Detectives are also reviewing entry and exit points at the hospital to establish how the suspect managed to leave unnoticed.

Mr. Mugwe said police are appealing to members of the public to remain alert and report anyone found with a newborn under suspicious circumstances, especially women whose explanations about the child appear inconsistent.

“This is a very serious and distressing incident. We urge anyone who may have seen a woman leaving the hospital with a newborn on Thursday morning, or anyone with any useful information, to immediately report to the nearest police station,” Mugwe said.

The incident has caused anxiety among residents of Tororo, with many calling for tighter security measures at health facilities. Police have assured the public that all possible efforts are being made to recover the child and bring the suspect to justice.