A five-year-old girl abducted from her grandmother’s home in Uganda’s Mityana District has been found alive in neighbouring Wakiso District, hours after her family paid Shs1 million to her kidnappers.
Joan Nabakooza, a Top Class pupil at God Cares Nursery School, was taken from a house in Namudali Village, Kikandwa sub-county, in the early hours of Tuesday.
Police said the child was later abandoned in the Mika area of Wakiso District after security agencies launched a search for her.
She was found in good health and has since been reunited with her grandmother.
According to preliminary police investigations, unidentified people broke into the home of Joan’s grandmother, Joyce Nannungi, 50, at about 03:00 local time while the two were sleeping.
The attackers allegedly took the child and stole Ms Nannungi’s mobile phone.
Police say the kidnappers later used the phone to contact the family and demand Shs4 million in exchange for the child’s release.
The incident was reported to Busunju Police Station, prompting police and other security agencies to begin searching for the girl and her abductors.
Family pays Shs1m
As the search continued, a family member transferred Shs1 million to the kidnappers.
Police said the abductors received the money but continued demanding the remaining Shs3 million.
Wamala Regional Police spokesperson Lameck Kigozi said several security teams became involved in the operation.
They included Mityana District Police, commanded by District Police Commander SP Tyson Rutambika, the Wamala Region Flying Squad and internal security personnel.
Mr Kigozi said pressure from the security operation was believed to have prompted the person holding the child to abandon her.
“At about 9pm, the suspect allegedly placed Joan on a motorcycle and dumped her in the Mika area of Wakiso District before fleeing,” he said.
Members of the public later found the child and helped return her to the authorities.
She was subsequently handed over to Busunju Police Station.
Police said Joan underwent a medical examination and was found to be in good health before being reunited with her grandmother.
Search for suspects continues
No arrests have been announced and the whereabouts of those suspected of carrying out the abduction remain unknown.
Security agencies say investigations are continuing to identify, trace and arrest those responsible.
Police have also urged parents and guardians to closely monitor children and remain vigilant about their safety, particularly during school holidays.
