Police in Luwero District have successfully rescued a five-year-old girl who was allegedly abducted while buying a pancake in Mabale Village, Luwero Town Council, on October 28, 2026. The girl, identified as Wassanga Shabira, was reunited with her parents after being recovered from a home in Nkologe Village, Luwero Sub-county. According to reports, Shabira was taken by the prime suspect's relatives.
The child's parents, Wassanga Hassan and Babirye Joyce, reported her disappearance on the day she went missing, prompting an immediate search. The police were informed and launched an investigation into the matter. The parents' report led to a swift response from the authorities, who began searching for the missing girl.
During the investigation, a man identified as Ssekanjako Muhammad approached the parents, claiming he had seen the girl at a witchdoctor's shrine. Police searched the shrine but did not find the child and arrested the witchdoctor, a woman found at the premises, and Ssekanjako to assist with investigations. However, this lead did not yield any results.
Further questioning of Ssekanjako on October 30 led to a breakthrough in the case. He allegedly admitted that he had stolen the child and taken her to Nkologe Village, where he handed her over to his brother, Musisi Frank. Musisi reportedly passed the girl to his mother and wife, while the claim that she was at the witchdoctor's shrine was allegedly intended to mislead investigators.
Police later recovered the child from Musisi's home. He reportedly fled, but officers arrested his wife, who was keeping the girl, and his mother. The child was examined and found to be in good health before being reunited with her biological parents. The successful recovery of the child was a result of the collaborative efforts of the police and the community.
According to police, the suspected motive behind the abduction was that Ssekanjako had never fathered a child and wanted to adopt the girl as his own. This revelation has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the individuals involved. The case highlights the need for community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
Three suspects are currently in police custody, and the case file is being prepared for submission to the Resident State Attorney for legal guidance. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the involvement of all individuals and to ensure that justice is served. The police have assured the public that they will continue to work tirelessly to protect vulnerable members of society.
Key points
- The five-year-old girl was recovered from a home in Nkologe Village, Luwero Sub-county, where she had been taken by the prime suspect's relatives.
- The suspected motive behind the abduction was that Ssekanjako had never fathered a child and wanted to adopt the girl as his own.
- Three suspects are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing.
