Five-month-old baby found dead in pit latrine, parents arrested

KAWEMPE, WAKISO — Police in Kawempe have launched an investigation into the death of a five-month-old baby whose body was allegedly wrapped in a polythene bag and dumped in a pit latrine in Kanyogoga, Kawanda Central Zone, Nabweru Division.
The deceased has been identified as Nandaula Magret, also known as Tyra Biyinzika. Police said they were alerted to the incident at about 9am on October 5, several days after the baby allegedly died on September 26.
Preliminary police findings indicate that the infant had fallen ill during the previous week before her reported death. Investigators are now working to establish what happened to the child before and after her death.
According to police, the baby’s mother allegedly placed the body in a polythene bag and disposed of it in a pit latrine. She reportedly only informed her sister about the incident.
Police subsequently visited the scene, examined the area and recovered the baby’s body from the latrine before transporting it to the mortuary for a post-mortem examination. The examination is expected to help establish the precise cause of death and provide investigators with further evidence.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said investigators had arrested the child’s parents as inquiries continue.
“Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. The body has been retrieved and taken for post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death, while the two suspects have been arrested to assist with investigations,” Kawala said.
The suspects have been identified by police as Ssendawula George, 44, and Sarah Namutebi, 35, both residents of Kawanda Central Zone in Nabweru Division, Wakiso District.
Police have not yet established whether the baby’s death resulted from illness, injury or any other circumstance. The post-mortem findings, together with statements from the suspects and other witnesses, are expected to form a key part of the investigation.
Authorities said inquiries remain ongoing and that further information will be released as investigators establish more details surrounding the child’s death.