JINJA, UGANDA: A joint security team in Kiira region police has rescued a 5-year-old Shafiq Ssemambo who was abducted on October 29, 2022, from his parent’s home in Namulesa, Jinja northern division in Jinja city. The victim is a son to Sabiti Kasiisa,55, and Justine Nabatyanga, 30.
Kiira region police spokesperson ASP James Mubi has confirmed arrest of the prime suspect Ivan Mawumbe, 22, a resident of Kyamagwa, Mafubira in Jinja city along with his main accomplice Shafa Kiwanuka, 32, a resident of Lubas road in Jinja city.
“We have managed to rescue a 5-year-old Shafiq Ssemambo who was abducted on October 29, 2022, from his parent’s home in Namulesa, Jinja northern division in Jinja city. The joint security team has also succeeded in arresting the prime suspect and his accomplice,” ASP James Mubi said in a statement before adding that the child was recovered on Monday, November 1, 2022, by the coordinated joint security efforts led by the RPC Kiira region, ACP Richard Okullu.
The abductors reportedly deceived the caretaker of the children at home that the victim’s father identified as Sabiti Kasiira had sent them to pick up the child and take him to his workplace.
Upon learning about the missing child, the father(Kasiisa) immediately rushed and reported a case of abduction at CPS Jinja vide CRB 1070/2022 and investigations commenced immediately.
The suspect were calling parents asking for a ransom of 28 millions which prompted police to track the said numbers used by the abductors.
READ: Kidnapper demands sh28million to release 5-year-old child
Upon arrest, police has learnt that the suspects were using a mobile phone beloning to Pastor Omaido Ibrahim, who died in an accident recently in Jinja.
“The joint security team tracked the mobile numbers used by the abductors to call the boy’s parents demanding a ransom of 28m. They had been using a mobile phone belonging to the late Pastor Omaido Ibrahim of Kakinku of Jinja city who died in an accident recently,” Mubi explained.
Police have also recovered the motorcycle registration number UFK 477W which was used by the abductors in executing their mission and the owner was identified.
“The joint security team also tracked the motorcycle UFK 477W which was used by the abductors. The motorcycle has also been recovered along with its owner identified as Geoffrey Mugeere,” ASP Mubi confirmed.
Two other suspects Peter Magala, 40, who allegedly hired the motorcycle out to Nasul Mawerere are also in custody at CPS Jinja as efforts to have other suspects still at large arrested are ongoing. Magala is a resident of Buwolero village, Nakulyaku parish, Buwenge town council in Jinja district while Mawerere is from Mafubira zone C in Jinja city.
The child was rushed to a medical facility where he was examined to ascertain his health before reuniting him with his parents.
Similar Incidents
This is not the first time, police is rescuing abductees in Kiira policing region.
In December 2021, Bushira Mugoya was abducted in Budondo sub county, Jinja district and police rescued her.
In February 2022, Divine Namuganza of Bugembe was also abducted from a church in Jinja city but police succeeded in rescuing her as well. Now Shafiq Ssemambo has finally been rescued.
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