Police in Kiboga District are searching for three suspects while a 17-year-old girl remains in custody following an alleged illegal abortion that led to the recovery of a fetus from a pit latrine in Kajjere Village, Kibiga Sub-county.
The suspects on the run have been identified as Jesca Nakibuule, Justine Nalugo and an unidentified medical worker.
Police said the teenager, whose identity has been withheld because she is a minor, was arrested as investigations continue.
According to Wamala Region Police spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi, the case came to light after residents reported suspicions to police, prompting officers to visit the scene.
Police recovered the fetus of a female unborn child from a pit latrine belonging to Wasswa Ibrahim, a resident of Kajjere Village.
‘Preliminary investigations indicate that the 17-year-old allegedly confessed to terminating the pregnancy with assistance from her mother, sister and a medical worker,’ Mr Kigozi said in a Friday statement.
He added that investigators believe drugs intended to induce the abortion were administered twice on June 15, during the day and at night.
Police said the abortion allegedly occurred at about 2am on June 16, after which the fetus was dumped in the pit latrine.
Officers later documented the scene and retrieved the fetus for examination.
Investigators are also examining allegations from residents that family tensions may have contributed to the incident.
According to police, some villagers claimed that Nakibuule had previously been in a relationship with a man identified as Bakuza Brian, who later allegedly became involved with her daughter.
‘Some residents claim the mother had on several occasions expressed anger over the situation, allegedly making remarks suggesting she did not want the pregnancy to proceed,’ Mr Kigozi said.
Police said the three suspects fled the area shortly after the incident and efforts to trace them are ongoing.
Authorities condemned abortion-related crimes and infanticide, warning that such acts are illegal and punishable under Ugandan law.
The teenager remains in custody as investigations continue.