June 3, 2025 | Kampala, Uganda
Police have arrested 12 suspects in connection with the brazen kidnapping of a seven-year-old pupil who was abducted while walking to school in Kampala last week, sparking panic among residents and a multi-agency search operation.
The child, whose identity is being withheld for protection, was taken near Mutundwe, a Kampala suburb, during the early morning hours of Monday, May 27, while on her routine walk to a nearby private school. Witnesses say two men on a motorcycle suddenly grabbed the child and sped off, leaving behind a schoolbag and sandals.
Swift Police Operation
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Patrick Onyango, the joint operation between local police and intelligence officers led to the arrest of 12 individuals in various parts of Wakiso, Nansana, and Kawempe, where the suspects are believed to operate a kidnapping-for-ransom ring.
“We can confirm that the victim has been safely rescued and reunited with her parents,” Onyango stated. “The suspects are now in custody as we build the case for prosecution.”
Ransom Demand Foiled
Authorities revealed that shortly after the abduction, the child’s parents received a ransom demand of Shs 15 million via anonymous phone calls. However, the number was traced and became the starting point for surveillance that eventually cracked the case.
“We refused to pay and reported immediately. Police acted quickly and we are so grateful,” said the child’s father during a press briefing, fighting back tears.
Underground Network Busted
Initial findings show that the suspects are part of a wider criminal network suspected of targeting children from middle-income families. Some of those arrested include Boda Boda riders, SIM card vendors, and an alleged former security guard who is believed to have monitored the family’s movements for weeks.
Several phones, SIM cards, and a car suspected to have been used in the abduction were recovered during raids.
Growing Concern Over Child Abductions
This incident adds to growing fears over the increased cases of child kidnappings in and around Kampala, often linked to ransom demands or, in more tragic cases, ritual sacrifice.
“This is a wake-up call for all parents and schools. Children need to be escorted to school, and communities must report strangers,” urged SP Onyango.
What’s Next?
The suspects face multiple charges including kidnap with intent to procure ransom, which under Ugandan law carries a maximum penalty of death upon conviction.
Police say investigations are still ongoing to uncover any remaining members of the syndicate and determine if the group is linked to other unsolved child disappearance cases.
