Kamuli, Uganda: Police in Busoga North Region are holding in custody a woman arrested on accusations of stealing a two-year-old boy in Kamuli Municipality, bringing to an end a two-week investigation that culminated in the recovery of the child and the apprehension of the suspect.
The suspect, identified as Akankunda Sight, was arrested on June 4, 2026, from Kikajjo and is currently being held at Kamuli Central Police Station pending prosecution.
According to Busoga North Regional Police Spokesperson Mr Samson Lubega, the case was initially reported on May 20 by Bagalawa George, 32, a mechanic and resident of Buwengempya Cell in Kamuli Municipality.
Bagalawa informed police that his two-year-old son had been taken by a female neighbour whom he only knew by appearance.
Investigations established that the suspect had rented a house in the area approximately two months earlier but had only stayed there for four days before allegedly disappearing with the child on May 19.
Police said Akankunda vacated the rented premises together with all her belongings shortly after taking the child, raising suspicion among residents and family members.
Detectives further discovered that the suspect had concealed her true identity when renting the house.
According to police, she had registered herself with the landlord under the false name of Nantume Charity, making it difficult for investigators to immediately trace her whereabouts.
As the search intensified, police employed modern tracking methods and intelligence-led investigations to follow leads through the suspect’s relatives and known associates.
Several relatives were questioned and detained to assist with investigations.
The breakthrough came on May 21 at around 11:00pm when residents heard a child crying and discovered the missing toddler abandoned approximately 300 metres from his family home.
The child was safely recovered and reunited with his parents later that night.
Despite the recovery of the boy, investigators continued pursuing the suspect to establish how and why the child had been taken.
Police eventually positively identified the suspect as Akankunda Sight and tracked her to Kikajjo, where she was arrested on June 4.
“The case file has been completed and is ready for submission to the Resident State Attorney in Kamuli for legal scrutiny, sanctioning and subsequent court proceedings,” the police statement said.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive behind the alleged child theft.
Police say investigations remain ongoing to determine whether the suspect acted alone or if there were other individuals involved.
The Busoga North Regional Police Command commended members of the public for providing information that contributed to both the recovery of the child and the eventual arrest of the suspect.
The force also used the incident to remind landlords and community members to exercise greater vigilance when dealing with new tenants.
Police urged landlords to properly verify identities and documentation of individuals seeking accommodation and encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious activities involving children.
Child theft and child trafficking remain concerns in several parts of Uganda, prompting law enforcement agencies to strengthen community policing and public awareness efforts.
The successful recovery of the child has brought relief to the Bagalawa family after days of uncertainty and anxiety.
Police have assured the public that all necessary legal procedures are being followed and that the suspect will face court once the Resident State Attorney reviews and sanctions the case file.
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