Police have arrested more suspects in connection with the kidnapping of 17 children that were rescued from Nkoowe village, Wakiso District, recently.
SCP Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, said they have arrested four more suspects to help with investigations. Enanga said exhibits of broken sticks, burnt plastics, clothes, and beddings have been recovered by the police.
He adds that so far six suspects are in police custody, whom he identified as Betty Tusasirwe, Junick Komuhangi, Loy, Amos Betungura, Dina Ashaba, and Carolina Nayebare.
Police said a pastor identified as Amos Betungura from Mbarara District has claimed to be the biological father of the victims, and a DNA sample has been obtained to verify the claim.
According to police, Betungura confessed that he got marital challenges after failing in pastoral work following the closure of his church during COVID-19 lockdown, which left him with no option but to place the children under the care of his relatives since he could no longer afford feeding, clothing, medication, and school fees.
Enanga stressed that if the results don’t match and Betungura’s information proves to be false and misleading to police in the name of shielding himself or protecting someone else, he will be charged with giving false information and obstruction of justice.
However, if it’s established that he’s a true biological father, he will be charged with failure to provide basic necessities to his children and mothers.
The victims are currently under the safety and protection of the police (Department of Children and Family Protection Unit) and the probation officer in Wakiso.