The police in Kween district in northern Uganda have arrested a woman accused of burying her newborn baby alive shortly after giving birth on Monday evening.
The incident occurred in Kapkureri ward, Kapnarok town council in Kween district. Fredmark Chesang, Sipi regional police spokesperson, identified the suspect as Agnes Cheptoyek.
Chesang said Cheptoyek allegedly delivered the baby successfully at home in the morning before attempting to bury the infant later in the evening.
He explained that residents became suspicious after hearing a baby crying from a nearby banana plantation and quickly rushed to the scene, where they rescued the child alive.
According to Chesang, the suspect allegedly attempted to flee upon noticing residents approaching the scene despite suffering heavy bleeding following delivery.
“She reportedly ran for about 500 metres while bleeding heavily before she collapsed and was apprehended by residents,” Chesang said.
He added that the suspect remains under police watch while receiving treatment at Kapchorwa hospital.
“She is currently receiving treatment, and after recovery, police will interrogate her to establish the motive behind the incident. She will also undergo mental health assessment to determine her state of mind,” Chesang added.
