Wakiso, Uganda: Police in Matugga have rescued a three-year-old girl who had allegedly been kidnapped, arresting two suspects linked to the crime following a ransom demand of UGX 40 million.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Spokesperson Ms Rachael Kawala, the child went missing on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at about 12:00 PM after leaving home to play with friends in the neighbourhood, but failed to return.
“It is alleged that on 8th March 2026 at about 1200 hours, the child left home to play with friends in the neighbourhood but did not return, prompting her mother to search for her in vain,” Kawala said in a police statement.
Police say the situation escalated later that evening when the victim’s grandmother received a message from the suspected kidnappers.
“At about 1800 hours, the victim’s grandmother received a WhatsApp message containing a photograph of the child, with the sender demanding UGX 40 million as ransom for her release,” Kawala revealed.
Following the report, police immediately opened a missing child case at Matugga Police Station and launched a search operation.
The police operation later led to the arrest of Selwanja Godfrey and Ntege Shakib, who are suspected of having been involved in the kidnapping, an the victim was eventually rescued from Kayilira Village, where she had been kept at the home of one of the suspects.
“The victim was successfully recovered from Kayilira Village in Buwambo Ward, Gombe Division, Wakiso District, at the home of one of the suspects,” Kawala confirmed. “The child was immediately rushed by the police task team for medical examination and attention,” she added.
Police have since cautioned parents and guardians to remain vigilant in protecting children from such crimes.
“We would like to caution parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and remain vigilant in order to prevent such incidents of abuse and ensure their safety,” Kawala stated.
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