Two arrested over alleged kidnapping of 10-year-old child, car theft in Wakiso

What the report says

Police in Nansana, Wakiso District, say they have arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged kidnapping for ransom of a 10-year-old child and the theft of a motor vehicle. The suspects were identified by Kampala Metropolitan Police as Matovu Benard, 20, and Ssemata Christopher, 30. According to the report published by Watchdog Uganda, officers carried out a coordinated operation that led to the recovery of both the child and the stolen vehicle.

The article says the incident happened on October 4, 2026, in Senge, Wakiso Sub-County. Police allege that Matovu was first asked to wash a silver Subaru Impreza, registration number UA 229AR, at a home in Nansana East 2A. He then allegedly drove away with the vehicle, switched off his phones, and later went to Senge, where he is said to have taken the child from the family’s workshop.

Police further allege that the child was taken to Nsumbi Village in Kyebando, where a ransom demand of Shs20 million was made for the child’s release, with a bank account reportedly provided for payment. Watchdog Uganda reported that the child and vehicle were recovered during follow-up investigations, and the two suspects were rescued from a mob before being taken into custody. Police say inquiries are continuing into the circumstances of the case.