By Ronaldo Kalangi
Masaka, Uganda: Two children in greater Masaka region have been rescued from kidnappers. John Kato, 4, son of David Sempweju, was kidnapped from his parents on January 16, 2019.
The incident happened in Kaliro Ward ‘A’ in Lyantonde Town Council. The kidnappers asked for a ransom of Shs7m and part of the money was paid to them. However, the police with the help of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), tracked down the kidnappers and arrested them, before rescuing Kato. He was recovered from Nkoowe in Wakiso district. Yusuf Kizito, one of the suspects, had earlier on been arrested to help with investigations. He had been found in possession of some money investigators believe to have been part of what the kidnappers had demanded as ransom. He later led CMI operatives to where the child was hidden.
Similarly, Aida Nabakooza, 5, was kidnapped on January 24, 2019 from her parents’ at Sazza Central Zone in Masaka Municipality. The kidnappers asked for a ransom of Shs300m. She was however recovered by CMI operatives, in good health, and reunited with her parents. Greater Masaka region police spokesperson, Lameck Kigozi said that “Since November last year all five children kidnapped for ransom have been recovered alive, with more than twenty suspects arrested.” Others, he said, have been taken to court and a few released on police bond.
