WAKISO — Police in Matugga have rescued a three-year-old girl who had allegedly been kidnapped and arrested two suspects in connection with the incident.
According to the Uganda Police Force, the child was reported missing on March 8, 2026, after leaving home at around midday to play with friends in the neighbourhood but failed to return.
Her mother reportedly searched for the child without success before the family alerted authorities.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said the situation escalated later in the evening when the victim’s grandmother received a message demanding ransom.
“At about 6pm, the child’s grandmother received a WhatsApp message containing a photograph of the child, with the sender demanding Shs40 million for her release,” Kawala said.
Police immediately opened a missing child case at Matugga Police Station and launched a search operation.
Investigators later arrested two suspects identified as Selwanja Godfrey and Ntege Shakib, who are believed to be connected to the alleged kidnapping.
The child was eventually recovered from Kayilira Village, Buwambo Ward, Gombe Division in Wakiso District, where she had been kept at the home of one of the suspects.
“The victim was successfully recovered from Kayilira Village at the residence of one of the suspects,” Kawala said.
Police said the girl was quickly taken by the police task team for medical examination and care following her rescue.
Authorities have since cautioned parents and guardians to remain vigilant and closely monitor their children to prevent similar incidents.
Investigations into the case are ongoing as the suspects remain in custody.
