20-Year-Old Woman Jailed Five Years for Kidnapping Baby from Kamwenge Health Facility

Fort Portal, Uganda – The High Court in Fort Portal has sentenced a 20-year-old woman to five years in prison after she pleaded guilty to kidnapping and stealing a one-month-old baby from a health facility in Kamwenge District.

The convict, Moreen Natukunda, was handed the sentence after entering a plea bargain agreement with the prosecution and admitting to the offences before court.

According to prosecution evidence, the incident occurred on April 25, 2025, at Rwamwanja Health Centre IV in Nkoma-Katalyeba Town Council, Kamwenge District. The infant’s mother had been admitted to the health facility when Natukunda allegedly abducted the child.

Court heard that Natukunda was staying at the same health facility while caring for a relative. Prosecutors said she took advantage of the situation and stole the baby while the child’s mother was asleep.

The disappearance of the infant sparked panic at the health facility. Upon realizing her baby was missing, the mother immediately alerted health workers, who reported the matter to police.

Security agencies launched an intensive search operation that led to Natukunda’s arrest. The missing infant was successfully recovered and safely reunited with the mother.

During the hearing, Natukunda admitted to the charges, paving the way for a plea bargain arrangement with state prosecutors.

The High Court sentenced her to five years’ imprisonment on each count of kidnapping and child theft. However, the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning Natukunda will serve a total prison term of five years.

The ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to protecting children and ensuring accountability for crimes involving the abduction of minors.

Authorities have urged members of the public, particularly parents and caregivers in health facilities, to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity involving children.