Five year old pupil kidnapped in Wakiso

WAKISO, UGANDA: The Territorial Police in Kampala Metropolitan (KMP) is actively investigating circumstances under which a five year old pupil suddenly disappeared in a case of suspected kidnap.

Nansamba Zahra Muwonge, 5, a pupil at Nabweru Community Nursery and Primary School is said to have gone missing on Friday, 17, February 2023 at around 7:20pm, from Nabweru North I, Nansana Division in Wakiso district.

According to Police Spokesperson SCP Fred Enanga, the matter regarding the child’s disappearance was reported to Nabweru police by the father, Mr Muwonge Baker, 32, and police detectives intensified the search right away.

Preliminary facts gathered so far indicate that on the fateful day, “the mother of the victim, Nankya Sopia, left her playing at home with her two siblings aged 2 and 7, at around 6:30pm, as she went to buy for them snacks nearby. After 30 minutes she returned and found her daughter missing. She alerted residents and an immediate search was conducted, but all in vain.”

Enanga while addressing journalists today morning said Nabweru police station reviewed the area CCTV cameras and the footage showed that victim was seen moving with a woman, along the Nabweru – Bwaise road in the direction of Kafunda zone, in Nabweru South.

“We strongly believe the victim should still be in the areas of Nabweru, Nansana, Bwaise, Katooke and Kawempe. A serious search for the 5-year-old victim but we also call upon anyone, who is hiding or keeping the victim, to hand her over in good faith,” said Enanga.

The police spokesperson further warned parents and guardians to be vigilant as cases of child kidnapp are now on the rise, with perpetrators asking for ransom in return.

“The alleged disappearance/child kidnap shows how children are still vulnerable and under threat. We continue to receive complaints of children missing due to kidnap either for money or other non-monetary reasons. Right now, we cannot imagine what the victim is going through, but we would like to reassure the parents, that we are doing everything within our means to trace and recover the victim.”

“We would also like to use this opportunity to share tips that can help reduce the chances of our children falling victim to disappearances and child kidnaps.”

Although it can be very difficult to detect that a child kidnap is occurring or prevent it from happening, Enanga said there are ways to become more aware of the risks and interventions that can help protect the child or other children from potential harm.