By Weswa Ronnie
PALLISA
Pallisa Police have arrested an 18-year-old woman, Kokoi Mercy, over suspected infanticide after a one-month-old baby went missing in Okuderia Cell, Pallisa Town Council.
According to Wilfred Kyempasa, the Bukedi North region police spokesperson, in ane incident report dated 23rd June 2026, the matter was reported on 19th June 2026 at 11:00 p.m. by Ariao Josephine, 39, the suspect’s mother and a resident of Okuderia Cell.
He says Kokoi got pregnant in October 2025 but refused to reveal the father’s identity to her family. She later gave birth to a baby boy on 17th May 2026.
On 19th June 2026, Ariao left the suspect at home with the baby and returned at 9:00 p.m. She found Kokoi at home but without the child. The suspect initially told her mother she had handed the baby to the father, which aroused suspicion since the family had never met him. Ariao then reported the matter to Pallisa Police Station.
During interrogation, Kokoi later told police that on 19th June 2026 she found the baby dead in the house, then decided to carry the body Agule Central Primary School where she dumped in a pit latrine without informing anyone.
Kyempasa says police registered the case of suspected infanticide at Pallisa CPS vide SD Ref 45/19/6/2026 and opened inquiries vide CRB 277/2026. Statements have been recorded from Ariao Josephine and another witness, Acham Melida. The crime scene at Agule Central Primary School was visited and documented by police and the Scene of Crime Officers.
The suspect remains in custody at Pallisa Police Station. Police say inquiries are still ongoing to search for and recover the baby’s body from the latrine and to complete investigations.
“If you or someone you know is struggling with an unplanned pregnancy or emotional distress, consider reaching out to a trusted family member, local health worker, or counselor for support,” advises Kyempasa.
