news 2 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
5-Year-Old Abducted in Mityana Found Safe in Wakiso After Ransom Payment
A five-year-old girl, Joan Nabakooza, abducted from her grandmother's home in Mityana, has been safely recovered in Wakiso after a Shs1 million ransom was paid. Police confirmed the child is in good health and has been reunited with her family. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/abducted-5-year-old-girl-found-alive-after-shs1m-ransom-5580708
A chilling abduction case in Mityana District has reached a safe conclusion with the recovery of five-year-old Joan Nabakooza. The young girl was taken from her grandmother’s home in Namudali Village, Kikandwa sub-county, in the early hours of Tuesday by unknown assailants.
The perpetrators reportedly broke into the residence of Ms Joyce Nannungi, 50, while she and her granddaughter slept. They abducted Nabakooza and also made off with Nannungi’s mobile phone. This stolen device was then used by the kidnappers to demand a Shs4 million ransom for the child’s safe return.
The incident was swiftly reported to Busunju Police Station, triggering an intensive search operation involving multiple security agencies, including the Mityana District Police and the Wamala Region Flying Squad.
During the ongoing investigation, a family member managed to send Shs1 million to the captors in an attempt to secure the child’s release. However, the kidnappers continued to demand the remaining Shs3 million.
Sources within the police suggest that the sustained pressure from the security forces may have led the abductor to abandon the child. Wamala Regional Police spokesperson, Mr Lameck Kigozi, confirmed that the suspect allegedly placed Nabakooza on a motorcycle and left her in the Mika area of Wakiso District around 9 PM before fleeing.
Fortunately, the child was discovered by concerned residents who promptly handed her over to the Busunju Police Station. Authorities have stated that Nabakooza was found in good health and underwent a medical examination before being reunited with her relieved grandmother.
While the child is safe, the suspects remain at large, and security agencies are actively working to apprehend them. This incident has heightened concerns about child safety, particularly during holiday periods, and police are urging parents and guardians to exercise increased vigilance.