national 2 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Child Abduction Case in Mityana Resolved: 5-Year-Old Found Safe After Ransom Payment
A five-year-old girl, Joan Nabakooza, abducted from her grandmother's home in Mityana District, has been recovered safely in Wakiso District. Her release followed the payment of Shs1 million in ransom to her captors. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/abducted-5-year-old-girl-found-alive-after-shs1m-ransom-5580708
A harrowing abduction case in Mityana District has concluded with the safe return of 5-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 morning by unknown assailants.
The intruders reportedly broke into the residence of Ms Joyce Nannungi, Joan’s grandmother, while they were asleep. They not only abducted the child but also stole Ms Nannungi’s mobile phone, which they subsequently used to demand a ransom of Shs4 million for Joan’s safe return.
Following the report to Busunju Police Station, security agencies initiated a widespread search operation. During the ongoing investigation, a family member managed to send Shs1 million to the kidnappers. Despite this partial payment, the abductors continued to demand the remaining Shs3 million.
According to Mr Lameck Kigozi, the Wamala Regional Police spokesperson, the intensified pressure from security teams, including the Mityana District Police, the Wamala Region Flying Squad, and internal security personnel, appears to have led the captor to abandon the child. It is alleged that around 9 pm, the suspect transported Joan on a motorcycle and left her in the Mika area of Wakiso District before escaping.
Fortunately, Joan was discovered by Good Samaritans who promptly brought her to the Busunju Police Station. Police confirmed that the child was in good health and underwent a medical examination before being reunited with her relieved grandmother. The suspects are still at large, and security agencies are actively pursuing leads to apprehend them.
This incident has reignited concerns regarding child safety, especially during holiday seasons. Authorities are urging parents and guardians to maintain heightened vigilance and closely supervise their children’s activities and whereabouts.