Police in Matugga have rescued a three-year-old girl who was allegedly kidnapped, arresting two suspects in connection with the incident.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Rachael Kawala, the incident occurred on March 8, 2026, at around noon when the child left her home to play with friends in the neighbourhood but did not return.
“The mother searched for her child in vain. Later, at about 6:00 pm, the victim’s grandmother received a WhatsApp message containing a photograph of the child. The sender demanded Shs40 million as ransom for her release,” SP Kawala said.
Police immediately registered a missing child case at Matugga Police Station and launched a search operation.
Through investigations, two suspects identified as Godfrey Selwanja and Shakib Ntege were arrested.
The child was later recovered from Kayilira Village, Buwambo Ward in Gombe Division, Wakiso District, at the home of one of the suspects, Shakib Ntege.
“The victim has been successfully rescued and was immediately taken for medical examination and attention by the police task team,” SP Kawala confirmed.
She urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and closely monitor their children.
“The safety of our children is a shared responsibility. We urge all parents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station immediately,” she said.
Police are currently holding the suspects in custody as investigations into the alleged kidnapping and ransom demand continue.
