(Masaka) – Police in Masaka District are searching for a suspect accused of kidnapping a seven year old boy and demanding a ransom. The suspect, identified only as Ashiraf, is reported to have been working as a casual laborer for 70 year old Betty Nabatanzi, who had trusted him to escort her grandchild, Frank Kezala, to Mukungwe Education Centre on November 1, 2024. Instead of taking the child to school, Ashiraf allegedly kidnapped him and requested UGX 4 million in exchange for the boy’s release.
According to police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, Nabatanzi immediately informed the police rather than agreeing to pay the ransom. Police began an investigation, intensifying their search for the suspect. Rusoke noted that Ashiraf may have been aware of the police pursuit, prompting him to release the boy. The child was later found safe in Kasawa cell, Kabonera, Masaka, and has since been reunited with his family. However, Ashiraf remains at large, and police efforts to locate him are ongoing.
In a related case, the police spokesperson also reported another child kidnapping incident in Kampala. The case involves a three year old boy named Charles Tusiime, a pupil at Jubilee Nursery School, who was allegedly kidnapped from Kigaga zone along Salama Road in the Makindye Division. The suspect, identified as Mbabazi Mariam, is said to have lured the boy by engaging with his family members at home. Once their attention waned, she allegedly took the child without permission.
The boy’s parents, Fred Kamugisha and Mercy Natukunda, currently work in Saudi Arabia and had left Tusiime in the care of his paternal uncle, Fred Sekyanzi. After the incident was reported, police launched an investigation and managed to apprehend Mbabazi in Iganga District. She is now in police custody, awaiting further legal proceedings.
These incidents have raised concerns about child safety in Uganda, prompting police to urge parents and guardians to be vigilant and cautious in safeguarding children, particularly when entrusting them to caretakers or casual workers.
Table: Recent Child Kidnapping Cases
| Case Location | Victim’s Name | Age | Suspect | Ransom Demanded | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masaka (Mukungwe) | Frank Kezala | 7 | Ashiraf (laborer) | UGX 4 million | Suspect at large |
| Kampala (Makindye) | Charles Tusiime | 3 | Mbabazi Mariam | None specified | Suspect in custody |
Police have reassured the public of their commitment to protecting children and upholding safety measures. Both cases are expected to proceed through the justice system as police continue investigations to ensure accountability for those involved.
