Police in Kaliro District have arrested a 27-year-old woman, Namukoba Mariam, and her accomplice, Babita Irene, for allegedly kidnapping a 4-year-old child and demanding a ransom of UGX 3 million. The child, a pupil at Bright Future School in Namukoge village, was shockingly revealed to be Namukoba’s niece.
According to the police, the kidnapping occurred on November 29, 2024, when the victim was returning home from school. A boda-boda cyclist, identified only as Gasita, offered the child a ride but failed to return her home. When the child did not arrive, her grandmother, Nakayima Edinansi, reported her missing at Kaliro Central Police Station. The situation escalated when unknown individuals began making ransom demands over the phone.
ASP Michael Kasadha, the Busoga North Police Spokesperson, confirmed that investigations led authorities to Namukoba, who was arrested on December 3, 2024. During interrogation, Namukoba admitted to orchestrating the kidnapping. She disclosed that Gasita, the boda-boda rider and a relative of the victim, handed the child over to her. Namukoba initially hid the child in a sugarcane plantation before transferring her to Kiringa, Nawandala Sub-county in Iganga District, where Babita Irene took over custody.
Police rescued the child from Babita’s home and arrested both suspects. The duo is currently detained at Kaliro Police Station, while police continue a manhunt for Gasita, who remains at large.
The arrest has shocked the local community, with many struggling to comprehend the betrayal of trust within the victim’s family as authorities emphasized the importance of vigilance, particularly when it comes to the safety of children, and assured the public that all individuals involved will face justice.
Investigations are ongoing, with the suspects expected to face charges of aggravated kidnapping, which carries severe penalties under Ugandan law.
