A Kampala woman is appealing for the public’s help to find her missing dog, Scout, who disappeared on Saturday morning in Kololo under what she describes as distressing and suspicious circumstances.
Scout, a white-and-brown beagle mix weighing about 17kg, was last seen at 8:30am on November 22, 2025 near Summit View along Prince Charles Drive in Kololo.
Owner Anne Martin said Scout was reportedly spotted with four teenage boys, raising fears she may have been taken.
The dog’s AirTag tracker last pinged at 9am on Bukoto Street, suggesting she was moved from the area shortly after disappearing.
Ms Martin, who spoke to the Nile Post, said the disappearance has been emotionally draining, describing the past days as “extremely difficult” for the family as they continue an exhaustive search.
“The effort is ongoing… we are looking everywhere, but we still don’t have the dog. We are making a lot of effort, and that’s why we’ve offered this reward — we want any support we can get from whoever can help,” Martin said.
She defended the Shs1 million reward, saying: “That’s the money that is there. Yes, that’s correct."
Ms Martin added that the search publicity has mainly remained online.
“We haven’t gone to the newspapers, just some social media,” she noted.
Scout’s poster has since circulated widely across Kampala, with residents sharing and re-sharing it in an effort to amplify the search.
Ms Martin urged anyone with information to come forward.
“We just need any support we can get,” she said.
Anyone who spots Scout or knows her whereabouts is advised to call Anne Martin.
Beyond the immediate search, Scout’s disappearance has also highlighted the deep emotional and psychological toll that losing a pet can have on owners.
Studies in human-animal bonding show that many people form strong attachment patterns with their dogs, often comparable to familial bonds.
When a pet goes missing, owners commonly experience anxiety, acute stress, and in some cases clinical depression — especially when uncertainty stretches for days.
In Uganda, reactions to Ms Martin’s appeal and reward have also reflected differing cultural attitudes toward pet ownership.
For some, Shs1 million may seem like an unusually high amount “for a dog.” Yet dogs are increasingly valued in Kampala, both as companions and security animals, with certain breeds selling for between $500 and $1,000 — roughly Shs1.8 million to Shs3.6 million at current rates.
For many pet owners, the financial value is secondary to the emotional bond.
Ms Martin says she remains hopeful that Scout will be found, and has appealed for empathy and vigilance as the search continues.