In a series of swift actions, the Uganda Police Force successfully rescued a kidnapped child and arrested multiple suspects in a separate case of ritual murder. On Friday, July 12, 2024, police rescued 1 1/2-year-old Lucas Sserwada, who had been kidnapped by Nakija Prossy, a housemaid.
The maid had been living with the family for two weeks before abducting the child. Upon receiving the report of the missing child, police teams, including the Flying Squad Unit and the territorial police of Kajansi, promptly initiated a search operation. The child was located alive in Mayuge and safely returned to his parents. The police commend the officers involved for their diligent efforts in recovering the juvenile victim and bringing relief to his family.
Arrest of Murder Suspects in Matete-Sembabule
In another significant development, police have arrested several suspects in connection with the disappearance and murder of two juveniles in Matete, Sembabule. On June 10, 2024, Asiimwe Julius went missing from home while his parents were watching TV. Three weeks later, on July 2, 2024, Juunju Andrew, aged 6, was allegedly kidnapped on his way home from St. Herman Kasana Primary School.
After extensive investigations, police apprehended the suspects on July 8, 2024, and recovered the remains of the two juveniles, which had been dumped in a pit. The suspects are Tumwebaze Elli (18), a student in form 3 at Matete Comprehensive Secondary School, Kiganda R/D, Matete Town Council, Nalukola Hassan (50), a peasant from Kasana “A”, Matete Town Council, Sebunya Muhamed (36), a peasant from Kasana “A”, Matete Town Council, Amon Twinomujuni (47), a peasant from Kasana “C”, Muwonge Matayo (48), a peasant from Nakatoke, Matete Town Council, Musanje Ahamed (29), from Kasana “C”, Matete Town Council and Kasaga Peter (45), a peasant from Nakatoke, Matete Town Council
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects were involved in ritual murder and ransom demands. The bodies of the victims were found maimed with missing body parts.
Police Advisory for Child Safety
The police urge the public to take the following precautions to ensure the safety of their children and household workers:
1. Profiling Workers: Verify the origins of workers and employ individuals from credible sources.
2. Observing Behaviors: Monitor the behaviors and demeanors of workers.
3. Emergency Procedures: Keep the contact information of local police readily available for timely response in case of incidents.
For school safety, parents and schools are advised to:
1. Ensure children move in groups or with friends.
2. Teach children to use well-traveled routes.
3. Arrange for children to be picked up from school by agreed-upon adults, coordinated with the school administration.
