Police in the Wamala Region are investigating the kidnapping and murder of a four-year-old girl in Kiboga District, an incident that has left residents of the area in shock.
The victim, identified as Namuwayo Janat, was the daughter of Nakanjako Ruth, a casual labourer from Kindeke Village in Kayera Sub-county. The child was allegedly abducted and killed by a fellow farm worker who is now on the run.
The incident occurred at around 3:30pm on Christmas Day at a farm where several casual labourers reside in temporary shelters.
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According to preliminary police findings, the suspect, identified only as John, suddenly turned violent and attacked his colleague, Nsubuga John, using a panga.
The suspect reportedly cut through the entrance of Nsubuga's makeshift house, prompting him to flee while sustaining injuries.
In the ensuing panic, both Nsubuga and Nakanjako escaped from the farm for safety, leaving the child behind.
Police say the suspect then seized the girl and carried her into a nearby maize plantation.
The child's body was recovered the following morning. Wamala Region Police Spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi confirmed that the body was retrieved by police officers and taken to Kiboga Hospital for a postmortem examination.
"Yesterday mid-morning, our officers recovered the child's body and conveyed it to Kiboga Hospital for postmortem," SSP Kigozi said, adding that preliminary investigations indicate the suspect was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the attack.
Police investigations have also revealed that the suspect had previously made romantic advances towards the child's mother, which were rejected. Investigators believe this rejection may have fueled the suspect's anger.
"Our findings suggest that the suspect attempted to pursue a relationship with the child's mother, but she declined. When both she and Nsubuga escaped during the attack, the suspect turned his rage on the child," SSP Kigozi said.
Residents described the suspect as a habitual drug user who fled the area immediately after the incident. Police have since launched a manhunt, warning that he remains dangerous.
"This individual is still at large and poses a serious threat to the public. We urge anyone who knows his whereabouts to report to the nearest police station immediately," SSP Kigozi said.
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Security agencies say efforts to track down the suspect have been intensified as the community mourns the loss of the young child.
