Uganda: Fear Grips Ibanda Communities Over Reported Attempts to Abduct Schoolchildren

What the report says

Parents and school leaders in Kagongo Division, Ibanda Municipality, Uganda, are urging a closer investigation after several reported attempts to abduct schoolchildren have unsettled local communities. The account, published by Nile Post and distributed by AllAfrica, says children in Mahega, Rugazi and nearby areas have become fearful of travelling to and from school after being intercepted on commonly used routes.

The article says at least three incidents have been reported in Ibanda this year, though authorities have not said whether they are linked or identified a clear motive. One reported case on July 27 involved a 13-year-old pupil of Rugazi Primary School, whose family said he was picked up after being stopped on the way to school. Police arrested a suspect, but the person was later released on bond after investigators said they did not yet have enough evidence. A younger pupil from the same school also reportedly described a similar encounter in February, prompting the school to advise children to travel in groups.

Concern has since spread beyond Kagongo Division. On August 10, a separate incident involving a two-and-a-half-year-old girl was reported at Muziza Primary School in Inshongoro Town Council, where the child was later found injured, according to her mother. The family said it was not able to link the injuries to any suspect.

Ibanda district officials and police were quoted as saying the cases need stronger investigation and clearer evidence before conclusions are drawn. Residents have also voiced worry about child safety and rumors of ritual motives, but the article says there is no established proof for that claim.