GOMBA, Uganda — Residents of Gomba District are in shock and awe following the birth of a baby boy reportedly clutching a religious medal in his hand, an unusual event that has drawn crowds, debate, and excitement across the community.
The birth occurred in Saali village, where 30-year-old Sylvia Nakalanzi delivered a baby boy who immediately became the centre of attention.
Witnesses say the newborn was born holding a Saint Anthony of Padua medal, a Catholic devotional item depicting Saint Anthony cradling the infant Jesus.
Some residents have even nicknamed the baby “Jesus,” citing what they perceive as extraordinary signs surrounding his arrival.
According to parents and eyewitnesses, the medal appeared in the baby’s hand at birth and bears a detailed engraving of Saint Anthony with the infant Jesus.
Unlike ordinary medals, this one lacks the usual hole for a chain, instead featuring small metal attachments on either side, a design that has further fueled speculation about its origins.
Observers also noted that the newborn appears unusually developed for his age, with facial features and body size resembling that of a one-month-old baby, despite being only hours old.
Witnesses claim the infant grips the medal tightly, seemingly aware of its presence before even opening his eyes.
Family and birth attendant reactions
Nakalanzi recounted her astonishment upon seeing what her child was holding.
“After I had delivered, the health worker brought my baby to me. We noticed he was holding something in his hand. When we examined it closely, we realized it was a Saint Anthony medal showing the infant Jesus,” she said.
“I kept asking myself how it was possible for a baby I had just delivered to be holding a metal object. The birth attendant calmed me down and assured me the baby was healthy. I was terrified and shaking, but they kept encouraging me.”
She added that the baby seems to calm immediately whenever the medal touches him:
“What I have noticed is that whenever the baby cries and the medal touches him, he immediately stops crying.”
The birth took place under the supervision of traditional birth attendant Rovinsa Najjemba, as Nakalanzi did not deliver at a modern health facility.
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Najjemba confirmed the extraordinary occurrence, calling it the most astonishing experience in her 42-year career.
“The joy I felt is indescribable. After delivering the baby and cleaning him, the mother told me he was holding something. When I checked, I found a Saint Anthony medal depicting the infant Jesus. I felt a strange and powerful sensation. In all my years of work, I have never seen anything like this,” Najjemba said.
Community reactions
News of the birth quickly spread, attracting large crowds of curious residents. The baby’s father, Jonan Kakulu, described the mix of emotions it has caused.
“I feel joy, but at the same time I am overwhelmed. In our family, we have never seen anything like this. When I was first told my wife had given birth to a baby holding a medal, I thought it was impossible,” he said. “Right now, I do not know what to do. Even choosing a name for the child is difficult.”
Reactions across Saali village and Gomba District have been mixed. While excitement dominates, some residents urge caution and call for formal investigations.
“We usually hear such stories happening elsewhere, but today it has happened right here in our village. We don’t need to go to Rwanda or Namugongo, Jesus is here with us,” said one local resident.
As curiosity grows, many are urging both religious and medical authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding the birth to establish the facts behind this extraordinary event.
