Mayuge, Uganda: Shock and grief gripped residents of Budhebela Village in Mayuge Town Council after a six-year-old boy was found strangled and his body abandoned in an unfinished building, hours after he had been sent on a routine errand.
Police in Mayuge District have launched investigations into the suspected murder, which has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about child safety in the community.
According to the child’s mother, Sarah Naigaga, she sent her son on Sunday morning to deliver a mobile phone to a nearby home for charging. When he failed to return, family members became concerned and began searching for him.
The boy’s aunt, Lovisha Namuganza, said relatives initially assumed he had delayed along the way. However, after several hours passed without any trace of him, they visited the home where he had been sent and were informed that he had delivered the phone before leaving immediately.
As anxiety mounted, neighbours joined the search effort from around 9:00am.
The search ended in tragedy when one of the child’s friends entered a nearby abandoned building and discovered a body wrapped in a plastic bag. The friend immediately alerted the boy’s father, Alex Kayima, who rushed to the scene and confirmed it was his son.
Faruku Musobya, head of the household where the phone had been delivered, confirmed that the child successfully completed the errand before leaving for home.
A neighbour also reported hearing a scream during the period the child is believed to have gone missing but assumed children were playing in the area.
Preliminary police findings indicate that the boy was strangled before his body was dumped in the deserted structure.
While police have not officially announced any arrests, local leaders say a suspect is already in custody.
Denise Waiswa, the Defence Secretary of Budhebela Village, said investigators have detained a person believed to be connected to the killing.
“The person we suspect committed the crime is already in police custody, and we can say it is him because everything coming from police indicates he is the one,” Waiswa said.
Andrew Ngobi, the district councillor, also confirmed that a suspect had been arrested as investigations continue.
Richard Jingo, the Vice Chairperson of Budhebela Village, called on police to improve response times and crime scene management. He urged officers to secure scenes of crime promptly instead of leaving crucial evidence vulnerable to interference by members of the public.
Police sources said the case is being handled by Busoga East Regional Police, with detectives continuing to record witness statements and gather evidence.
The tragic death has left residents demanding justice while raising fresh concerns about the safety of children sent on errands without adult supervision.
Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist investigations to report to Mayuge Central Police Station or the nearest police post.
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