Police in Kyenjojo District are holding two suspects in connection with the kidnapping and killing of a seven-year-old boy, in a case that has shocked the local community.
Authorities say the child, identified as Osber Turinayo, was abducted on June 12 from Kisoroma Village in Kitongore Parish, Kisojo Sub-county. According to investigators, the boy had been returning home with his brothers after watching a movie at a nearby bar when he went missing.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said early attempts by the family and residents to trace the child were unsuccessful.
“Preliminary findings indicate that Turinayo went with his brothers to watch a movie at a bar within the neighbourhood but he didn’t return home. Efforts by the family and residents to trace him proved unsuccessful,” Rusoke said.
Three days after the disappearance, on June 15, the family reportedly received a phone call from unknown individuals demanding a ransom of Shs1.5 million, threatening to kill the child if the money was not paid.
Police say the matter was immediately reported and investigations were launched.
Following intelligence-led operations, officers arrested two suspects identified as Isaiah Manyindo, 26, and Erias Twimukye, 17. According to police, the suspects later confessed during interrogation and led investigators to the location where the child’s body had been dumped.
“Police tracked and arrested Isaiah Manyindo, 26 and Erias Twimukye, 17 who during interrogation, confessed to having kidnapped and killed the seven-year-old. They guide police to the crime scene and the lifeless body was found covered under tree leaves,” Rusoke said.
The body was recovered hidden under foliage, bringing the search for the missing child to a tragic end.
Police say investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be arraigned in court.
Authorities have also raised concern over parental negligence, warning guardians against allowing children to move unsupervised at night.
“We send a message to parents to not allow children move out at night. How could child of 7 years end up at a bar at 9pm. We are going to punish suspects but we shall not recover life of the 7 year old victim. This victim lost his life because some adults here and there didn’t do their work,” Rusoke urged.
The incident adds to a growing number of kidnapping-for-ransom cases reported in the country in recent months.
Earlier this month, businesswoman Lydia Babirye Ssengendo, 52, was abducted from her home in Ntinda, Kampala. Her kidnappers demanded Shs19 million, and despite Shs9 million being paid, she was later killed. Her body was recovered in Kiteredde, Kakiri Town Council in Wakiso District, and two suspects have since been arrested and remanded.
