By Robert Segawa
Police in Kyenjojo District have arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged kidnap and murder of a seven-year-old boy who was reportedly strangled to death.
The victim, identified as Osbert Turinayo, went missing on the night of June 12, 2026, at around 9:00 p.m. after leaving home to watch a FIFA World Cup football match at a nearby bar in Isoloma Village, Kisojjo Sub-county, Kyenjojo District.
The suspects have been identified as Manyindo Isiah, also known as Barah, aged 26, and Elias Twimukye, 17, who reportedly confessed to participating in the crime.
While addressing the media at Police Headquarters in Naguru on Monday, Police spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma said the suspects contacted the victim’s parents on June 15, demanding a ransom of Shs1.5 million for the boy’s release.
Kituuma explained that police immediately launched a manhunt aimed at rescuing the child and apprehending those responsible. However, after tracking down the suspects, investigators were reportedly informed that the boy had already been murdered.
The suspects allegedly led detectives to the crime scene, where the child’s decomposing body was recovered. According to police, the body had been concealed under tree branches in an apparent attempt to hide evidence of the crime.
Although police have successfully arrested the suspects, Kituuma expressed sorrow over the loss of the young boy’s life.
He also questioned the circumstances under which a seven-year-old child was allowed to spend time at a bar late at night without parental supervision. The police spokesperson further called on parents, local leaders, and community members to be more vigilant in protecting children.
Kituuma noted that members of the public who were with the child before his disappearance also have a responsibility to help safeguard vulnerable children.
The body has been taken to Kyenjojo Health Facility for a postmortem examination, while investigations continue. Police say the case file is being prepared and the suspects will be arraigned in court to face prosecution.
