The Kampala Metropolitan Police have raised alarms over a troubling increase in child kidnappings, with recent cases requiring the urgent need for public vigilance.
Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire addressed the media on July 22,2024, during a weekly security briefing, emphasizing that many of these kidnappings are believed to be motivated by ransom demands or ritualistic purposes.
One alarming incident involved the kidnapping of a two-year-old girl, Ronah Ayanza, from Ntunda village in Mukono District. The alleged kidnapper, 24-year-old Alyosious Kakande, a boda boda rider and local resident, was apprehended at Mpata trading center shortly after the abduction.
Owoyesigyire noted that Kakande targeted the child, believing her mother, who works in Dubai, would be able to pay a ransom. Fortunately, the child was recovered unharmed, and Kakande is currently in custody at Mukono police station.
In a more severe case, police reported the detention of eight individuals linked to the kidnapping and murder of two juveniles in the Greater Masaka area. This tragic incident, involving the abduction of children who were later found dead, has heightened fears about child safety in the region.
The police’s response to this crisis includes a series of measures aimed at preventing further kidnappings. They have intensified efforts to apprehend suspects involved in high-profile cases and are advising parents and guardians to educate children about their relatives to enhance safety. Additionally, police are calling on telecom companies to ensure all SIM cards are registered, facilitating easier tracking of suspects.
