Residents of Wamala in Kinyalwanda, Nansana Municipality are gripped by fear following the disappearance of six-year-old Shilloh Jolly Magezi, who has now been missing for a week.
Shilloh reportedly went missing on Monday, April 27, 2026, after being sent on a brief errand to a nearby shop.
Since then, her whereabouts remain unknown despite frantic efforts by family members, local leaders, and community members to trace her.
According to her parents, Milly Kisakye and Francess Bbale, the young girl had been sent by a neighbor to buy cake but never returned home.
The devastated parents were seen in distress, pleading for any information that could lead to their daughter.
“We have searched everywhere we can think of, but we have not found our child,” Kisakye said.
“We don’t know what happened or where she could be. We are asking anyone with information to help us.”
Her disappearance has heightened anxiety among residents, especially amid growing reports of missing children, some of whom have been found dead or linked to criminal activity. The situation has left the community increasingly alarmed.
Local authorities have joined the search efforts, urging the public to remain vigilant and share any useful information. Area security officer Kiwanuka Ronald confirmed that investigations are ongoing but have so far yielded no leads.
“We have tried to trace the child and followed up on leads, but unfortunately, we have not yet found her,” Kiwanuka said. “We appeal to anyone who may have seen her or knows anything to come forward and help.”
LC Chairperson Kisembo Francess described the trend of missing children as deeply worrying, calling for heightened parental supervision.
“This situation is very worrying. We are seeing more children go missing, and some are later found dead. We ask parents to be extra vigilant,” she said.
A relative, Jireh Nalubega Daniella, recounted the last known moments before the disappearance, saying Shilloh was last seen heading to the shop.
“She was sent to the shop, but she never came back. That is the last time anyone saw her,” she said.
Another relative, Rebecca Najjumbwe, said she joined the search immediately after receiving the news.
“This is very painful. We are doing everything we can to find her,” she said.
Police have since taken over investigations. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala confirmed that a missing child case has been opened and search operations are ongoing.
“We have received the report and our teams are actively searching for the child,” Kawala said. “We urge anyone who could be holding the child to release her immediately before they are arrested.”
Residents say the case has revived painful memories of a recent incident in Bulenga, where a missing child was later found murdered, deepening fear across communities.
