The family of a 74-year-old man from Mbale is living in distress following his mysterious disappearance in Kampala under unclear circumstances.
Jimmy Wambete Khaukha reportedly left Mbale on Wednesday, March 11, and travelled to Kampala, where he was expected to follow up on long-standing pension and terminal benefits linked to his former employment with the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB).
According to his eldest son, Dick Mabaale, the family has not heard from him since his departure.
“He was supposed to receive his pension as a former UEB employee. However, there were disagreements within the family. Despite this, my younger brothers forcefully brought him to Kampala,” Mabaale told the Nile Post.
Mabaale claims that although his father travelled with his younger brothers, they have since failed to provide a clear account of his whereabouts.
“They said it was for medical reasons, but I believe he had also come to follow up on his pension. A few days later, we received information from other sources—not from them—that he had disappeared,” he said.
Efforts by the family to trace Wambete’s last known location have been hindered by inconsistent accounts.
“One of his sons, Alex, says he spent the night in a guest house, while another, Pat, claims he stayed at a friend’s place. So far, we have not received clear or consistent information,” Mabaale said.
He added that when they visited a guest house where Wambete was reportedly taken, a staff member confirmed that a man identified as Alex had brought him there. However, there was no record in the guest house register to confirm that he stayed overnight.
Family Suspects Foul Play
Mabaale says the family suspects foul play, citing previous disputes over property.
“Dad has been assaulted before by Alex over his property. In 2023, he was beaten and suffered a broken rib after attempting to recover his documents, including his national ID and land agreements,” he alleged.
“We fear that bringing him to Kampala may have been part of a larger plan. Right now, his whereabouts remain unknown.”
Police confirmed that a missing person case has been registered at Kabalagala Police Station.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Racheal Kawala, said Wambete was reportedly picked from Mbale by his son, identified as Patrick Namukona, and brought to Kamwanyi in Kampala.
“It is alleged that the son intended to take him to Mulago National Referral Hospital for treatment, before proceeding to Kololo at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau offices to process his pension,” Kawala said.
She added that on the night of March 12 at around 11:30pm, the son reportedly left briefly to look for food, but returned to find his father missing.
Police say efforts to locate Wambete have so far been unsuccessful.
At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a long-sleeved shirt with white stripes, a black coat, grey trousers, and open shoes.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to report to the nearest police station or contact Kabalagala Police Station directly on 0789564715.