Authorities in Nakaseke district, are currently investigating a suspected case of child kidnapping involving an 8 year old girl named Patricia Aikoru. According to a statement released by the Police on Sunday, Patricia disappeared on Thursday, March 21, 2024, while returning home from Ngoma Church of Uganda Primary School, where she is a pupil. She resides in Kasambya village, Ngoma Town Council.
Sam Twiineamazima, the spokesperson for the Savannah Police region, stated that they are pursuing several leads, including reports of a “strange man” who allegedly enticed the girl with money. The incident reportedly occurred around 1:00 pm while Patricia was walking home with two other primary school children.
Twiineamazima revealed that the suspect convinced Patricia to accompany him under the pretense of chasing chickens, offering her friends 2,000 Ugandan shillings as an enticement. Subsequently, the suspect and Patricia entered a nearby bush, and she did not return.
Concerned for Patricia’s safety, her friends proceeded home without her, informing her parents and the local LC1 chairperson about her disappearance. Despite efforts by villagers to search for her, Patricia remained missing.
A team of police officers has visited the scene of the crime to gather evidence, and joint security forces are actively involved in the search for Patricia.
Child kidnappings are unfortunately not uncommon in Uganda. Earlier this month, the police rescued an 8-year-old girl from kidnappers who intended to sacrifice her near the Kenya-Uganda border. Additionally, in June 2023, the army rescued three students who were kidnapped by Islamist fighters in Kasese.
In other crime news in the Savannah region, a teenager was allegedly killed by his employer in Luweero over accusations of theft. Senkumba Kiwanuka, a businessman, is currently at large after reportedly beating his juvenile worker, Patrick Kibirige, to death over the theft of 150,000 Ugandan shillings. Preliminary investigations by the police indicate that Kiwanuka tortured Kibirige, who was pronounced dead upon arrival at Luweero Hospital. Following the incident, a murder case has been opened, and authorities are actively seeking Kiwanuka for questioning.
