Kampala, Uganda: Coordinated intelligence operations and analysis of social media activity played a decisive role in the successful rescue of six-year-old Mpirwe Tumwesigye Abraham, who was kidnapped from Kawempe Division and later recovered in Wakiso District.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) spokesperson SP Rachael Kawala, the child was rescued on Friday, December 19, 2025, at about 9:30am from Busukuma area in Nansana Municipality following targeted tracking of the suspect’s digital footprint.
Preliminary investigations indicate that on December 12, 2025, at around 4:00pm, the suspect, identified as Muchunguzi David, a shamba boy employed by Dr Tumwesigye Emmanuel, left with the child from Ddungu Zone in Kawempe Division and failed to return.
The child’s disappearance was immediately reported at Universal Police Post, triggering joint search and intelligence-led operations by security agencies.
Police say a breakthrough came after investigators analysed TikTok videos linked to the suspect, which provided critical clues on movement patterns and location. The digital trail enabled operatives to narrow down the suspect’s whereabouts, eventually leading to the child’s recovery in Wakiso.
“The rescue was achieved through coordinated intelligence and analysis of the suspect’s online activity. The child was found safe,” SP Kawala said, adding that efforts to apprehend the suspect are still ongoing.
“A case of kidnapping was reported at Universal Police Post, and search operations immediately commenced. Through analysis of the suspect’s TikTok videos, security agencies were able to trace and successfully recover the victim.”
Following the rescue, Mpirwe was taken for a medical examination before being formally handed over to his family at the Nsambya Police Health Services offices. The handover was conducted by SP Kawala in the presence of police medical personnel and family members.
Police have appealed to the public to share any information that may assist in tracing and arresting the suspect as investigations continue.
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