A five-year-old girl who was abducted from her grandmother’s home in Mityana District has been found alive in Wakiso District, hours after her captor received Shs1 million in ransom.
The child, identified as Joan Nabakooza, a Top Class pupil at God Cares Nursery School, was abducted in the early hours of Tuesday from Namudali Village, Kikandwa sub-county.
According to preliminary police investigations, unknown assailants broke into the home of her grandmother, Ms Joyce Nannungi, 50, at about 3am while the two were sleeping.
The attackers reportedly took the child and also stole Nannungi’s mobile phone, which they later used to demand Shs4 million for the girl’s release.
The incident was reported at Busunju Police Station, prompting security agencies to launch a search.
As the search continued, a family member sent Shs1 million to the kidnappers, who continued demanding the remaining Shs3 million.
Mr Lameck Kigozi, the Wamala Regional Police spokesperson, confirmed the incident, saying security teams, including Mityana District Police commanded by DPC SP Tyson Rutambika, the Wamala Region Flying Squad and internal security personnel, closely monitored developments.
The pressure reportedly forced the captor to abandon the victim.
“At about 9pm, the suspect allegedly placed Joan on a motorcycle and dumped her in the Mika area of Wakiso District before fleeing,” Kigozi said.
The child was later found by Good Samaritans, who handed her over to Busunju Police Station.
Police said she was in good health and was examined before being reunited with her grandmother.
The whereabouts of the suspected abductors remain unknown, with security agencies continuing efforts to trace and arrest them.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of children, particularly during the holiday period.
Police have urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and closely monitor the movements and whereabouts of their children.