By Edward Byamukama
A 27-year-old man has been remanded to Kibaale Government Prison after allegedly faking the death of his newborn baby in a scheme to defraud his family members.
Nicholas Mutegeki, a resident of Kiyoora Village in Bugambe Sub-county, Kikuube District, appeared before the Kibaale Grade One Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. The court, presided over by Grade One Magistrate Derick Kamanzi, remanded him until August 20, 2026.
According to the prosecution, on June 15, 2026, Mutegeki called his father, Kato Kabalega, a resident of Kyekaado Cell in Kisiita Town Council, Kakumiro District, claiming that his newborn child had died. He allegedly requested 350,000 Shillings to transport the body to Kakumiro for burial.
When his father declined to send the money, Mutegeki allegedly wrapped a banana sucker in cloth, placed it in a coffin and transported it to his father’s home, claiming it contained the baby’s body.
The alleged deception was uncovered when mourners insisted on viewing the body before the burial. Mutegeki reportedly resisted their requests, arousing suspicion. The mourners eventually forced the coffin open and discovered that it contained only a banana sucker wrapped in cloth instead of a child’s body.
Realising the deception had been exposed, Mutegeki allegedly fled the scene and went into hiding. Police, working with residents, launched a manhunt and later arrested him. He was initially detained at Kakumiro Central Police Station before being arraigned in court.
During his appearance before the Kibaale Grade One Magistrate’s Court, Mutegeki admitted to orchestrating the scheme, telling the court that he had been seeking financial support. He pleaded for leniency.
