Medics Rescue Newborn Baby Dumped in Pit Latrine in Arua City

Arua, February 25, 2025 – In a shocking incident that has stunned the community of Upper Bibia in Arua City, a newborn baby girl was rescued from a pit latrine after being discarded by her mother on Thursday, February 20, 2025. 

The heroic rescue was carried out by local residents and medics at Arua Regional Referral Maternity Ward, who successfully saved the baby's life.

The discovery was made by Ciriga Majid, a local resident, who was shocked to hear the sound of a baby crying while using a latrine at around 10 PM. He quickly alerted his neighbors, and a group of residents mobilized to extract the infant from the pit. After cleaning the baby, they rushed her to the hospital for emergency medical attention.

According to eyewitness accounts, the mother, identified as Shifa, a local woman who sells chapati by the roadside, allegedly abandoned the baby after delivering her alone earlier that evening. The mother reportedly sent her daughter to buy medicine before taking the newborn, wrapped in a basin filled with blood, and disposing of her in the pit latrine.

Investigations revealed that the father of the baby was not involved in the child's upbringing, which may have influenced Shifa's decision. The local community and medical staff have praised the quick thinking and compassionate actions of the residents who saved the newborn's life.

The baby is currently receiving care in the maternity ward, where medics are optimistic about her recovery. Meanwhile, police have launched an investigation into the case, and efforts are underway to track down Shifa.

This heart-wrenching event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the need for comprehensive support systems for mothers and children in distress.