A seven-year-old boy who was allegedly kidnapped from Kiboga District in a suspected ransom scheme has been rescued unharmed by police, leading to the arrest of two suspects while a third remains at large.
The victim, Rayan Lukyamuzi, a pupil at St. Paul Kiboga School, was reported missing on July 7, 2026, by his mother, Hanifah Nabugwawo, 27, a mobile money agent and resident of Kabakanjagala Cell in Kiboga Town Council.
According to the Wamala Regional Police spokesperson, SSP Lameck Kigozi, the child disappeared at around 8:30 p.m. after he was last seen watching videos on a mobile phone with his friend, Innocent.
Police investigations indicate that the phone belonged to Nkwanga Saulo, a regular customer at the victim’s mother’s mobile money business.
“Preliminary investigations established that the suspect lured the child by allowing him to watch videos on his phone before taking him away without raising suspicion,” SSP Kigozi said.
Police said Nkwanga later walked with the victim and his friend to a nearby market, where he bought them Irish potatoes. They were later joined by another suspect, Moses Collins, who arrived on a motorcycle.
The suspects reportedly instructed the victim’s friend to return home before taking Rayan away.
Investigators established that the child was transported to Nkwanga’s home in Kawango Village, Kiteredde Parish, Mulagi Sub-county in Kyankwanzi District, where he was allegedly handed over to Nkwanga’s wife, Ainembabazi Agnes.
Police said the boy was confined in a one-room house and prevented from communicating with his family.
According to police, the suspects intended to demand a ransom from the child’s mother.
“The suspect allegedly left an anonymous note at the mother’s business premises containing a telephone contact through which she would communicate if she wanted her son released. This indicates that the motive was to extort money from the family,” SSP Kigozi said.
After receiving the missing person’s report, police launched investigations, including visiting the scene, recording witness statements and issuing radio announcements to support the search efforts.
Following sustained investigations, police arrested Nkwanga Saulo, who allegedly revealed the location where the child had been hidden.
Police officers rescued the boy from Mulagi Sub-county in Kyankwanzi District. He was found in good health and has since been reunited with his family.
Ainembabazi Agnes was also arrested to assist with investigations, while Moses Collins remains on the run.
“We currently have two suspects in custody as investigations continue, while efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspect,” SSP Kigozi said.
Police have appealed to parents and guardians to exercise caution when allowing children to interact with people, including those who appear familiar or are known to the family.
“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant because some individuals abuse the trust placed in them to target innocent children. Parents should closely monitor their children’s movements and immediately report any suspicious incidents to the police,” SSP Kigozi cautioned.
Investigations into the suspected kidnapping and attempted extortion are ongoing.
