Kampala – Police have warned boda boda riders over their involvement in child kidnappings.
According to police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma, these riders are increasingly linked to such crimes, often claiming they’re transporting children for innocent individuals.
However, Kituuma emphasized that under Ugandan law, these riders are considered accomplices to the crime.
“You can’t hide behind the excuse of ‘I was just delivering the child.’ We will identify and bring you to justice,” Kituuma said.
In Masaka, a three-year-old, Favor Blesson, was lured away by a porter, Faluk, on September 26th, 2024. Police launched a swift investigation and applied pressure on the suspect, leading him to hand over the child to a boda boda rider, who returned her to a location near the building where she was taken.
In Bushenyi, seven-year-old Sasha Itungo was kidnapped after being sent to buy cooking oil at 7pm on Sept 26th. A ransom demand of 8 million shillings was made, but police uncovered the mother’s suspected involvement leading to her arrest. The child was returned to a fuel station by a boda boda rider.
In Kasese, a seven-year-old, Ryan Masereka, was kidnapped from his home by unidentified individuals on a motorcycle. Following Police pressure the kidnappers, reduced the ransom demand from 20 million to 1.5 million shillings. After payment, Masereka was returned safely to his parents.
Meanwhile, Kituuma condemned the reckless and negligent behavior of some parents, which has exposed their children to kidnapping risks.
“One of the challenges we face is that people often unfairly blame the police. However, the truth remains that the primary responsibility for a child’s security and safety lies with their parents,” said Kituuma
He added, “You can’t leave your child exposed to risks and then expect police to undo the damage.” Kituuma suggested that parents who exhibit reckless behavior by putting their children’s lives at unnecessary risk should eventually face charges.