Houseboy Kidnap Schoolgirls, Demands 35m Ransom: Victims Found Abandoned

In a disturbing incident, two schoolgirls, Phionah Tusingwire, 4, and Patience Tarindeka, 5, pupils at Apex Model Primary School in Nakaseke district, were kidnapped by a houseboy named Sande, demanding a hefty ransom of Shs 35 million.

Sande, who was contracted to transport the girls using his boda boda, reportedly abducted them last Friday. Concerns arose when the girls failed to return home after school hours, prompting their mother, Scovia Kayesu, to report the incident to Kirangazi police station.

According to Savannah Regional police spokesperson Sam Twiineamazima, the suspect, using phone numbers 0787479887 and 0785829760, demanded the ransom from the girls’ father. Police tracked Sande’s movements, initially locating him in Kiboga district before he moved to Kyankwanzi.

Under mounting pressure from law enforcement and community members, Sande abandoned the children near the Kabaale bridge, separating Kyankwanzi and Nakaseke districts. Fortunately, the victims were found safe on Saturday around 11:20 am, and a medical examination at Ngoma Health Centre IV confirmed no evidence of sexual harassment.

The motorcycle used in the kidnapping was discovered nearby. Twiineamazima stated that the children have been reunited with their families.

This harrowing incident underscores the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in combating child abduction and ensuring the safety of all children in the region. Authorities continue their efforts to bring the perpetrator to justice and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.