Lameck Kigozi
Police in Kiboga have rescued a seven-year-old boy who was allegedly kidnapped in a plot to extort ransom money, and arrested two suspects in connection with the incident. The victim, Lukyamuzi Rayan, a pupil at Sedin Paul Kiboga, was reported missing on 7 July 2026 by his mother, 27-year-old mobile money agent Nabugwawo Hanifah, a resident of Kabakanjagala cell in Kiboga Town Council.
According to preliminary investigations, Lukyamuzi was last seen at around 8:30 p.m. watching videos with his friend Innocent on the phone of a regular customer, Nkwanga Saulo, at his mother’s mobile money stall. Nkwanga allegedly lured the child away under the guise of going to the market to buy Irish potatoes, accompanied by his friend, a motorcycle rider identified as Moses Collins. The pair reportedly sent Innocent back home and proceeded with Lukyamuzi to Kyankwanzi District.
Police say the boy was taken to Nkwanga’s home in Kawango village, Kiteredde Parish, Mulagi Subcounty in Kyankwanzi, where he was handed over to Nkwanga’s wife, Ainembabazi Agnes. The child was then confined in a one-room house and kept incommunicado. Investigators believe Nkwanga deliberately used his phone to keep the boy distracted with videos so he could separate him from his mother without resistance.
Authorities further disclosed that the suspect intended to demand a ransom, having left an anonymous note at the mother’s business premises with a contact number and instructions to call if she wanted her child back. Upon receiving the disappearance report, police swiftly visited the scene, recorded witness statements, and issued radio announcements to mobilize the public.
Nkwanga was subsequently arrested and, during interrogation, revealed the location where he had taken the child. A rescue operation was mounted, and Lukyamuzi was recovered in good health from Mulagi in Kyankwanzi District. Police also arrested Ainembabazi Agnes, while efforts are ongoing to track down an additional suspect who remains at large.
Wamala Region Police spokesperson SSP L. Kigozi commended the swift response and urged parents and guardians to exercise vigilance. “We caution our people to always be careful about those they entrust with their children,” SSP Kigozi said. “Some individuals harbour evil intentions against children, so it is important to remain alert and report any suspicious behaviour immediately.”
The two suspects are currently in custody as inquiries continue under the Wamala Regional Police command.
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