By Mike Rwothomio

Police of Arua City Central Business Division have recovered and rescued an abandoned two-day-old baby boy on Wednesday, 17th June 2026, at around 6:20pm.

The baby was rescued from Eucalyptus trees near River Enyau, behind Nile High School in Arua City Central Division.

According to West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia, police received the information from the chairman LC 1 of Ediofe trading center, Mr. Baiga, which prompted them to respond immediately to the scene, along with staff of the Child and Family Protection Unit, Arua City Central Business Division.

"They rescued the baby and rushed him immediately to Arua Regional Referral hospital for treatment and further management, where he was confirmed to be a two day old baby boy and later named JOB at the hospital," Angucia said.

The baby is alive, healthy and receiving treatment.Investigations have commenced to trace the mother of the baby and to establish the motive of abandoning him.

Inquiries continue under Arua City CBD SD ref 70/17/06/2026.

Angucia said, "We appeal to the general public to spread the information widely and do neighborhood check so as to get the mother of the baby."

Police urged community members and parents to lead more responsible lives and avoid abandoning, deserting and neglecting their children as these are criminal acts for which parents/guardians can be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

Related Article: Zombo Police trace teenage mother who Dumped baby in a market corridor.

This incident occurs against the backdrop of child-related offences in Uganda. According to the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2025, a total of 8,064 child-related offences were reported nationwide in 2025, representing a 14.3% decrease compared to 9,408 cases in 2024.

These offences include categories such as child neglect, child desertion (1,205 cases reported in 2025), child disappearance/missing children, child abuse/torture, and other acts like infanticide or abandonment-related crimes.

SSP Josephine Angucia, West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub for Africa news stories and updates