BUSIA — The disappearance of a three-year-old girl in Busia District has ended in tragedy after her body was found near the Busia-Bugiri highway, days after her family reportedly received a Shs2 million ransom demand.
The child, identified as Evelyn Nabwire, was a Baby Class pupil at Elite Nursery and Primary School. She reportedly disappeared on Thursday, September 24, while playing with other children in Bubolwa A Village, Bulumbi Sub-county.
According to reports, suspicion later turned to Edrine Bwire, a cousin of Evelyn’s father. The two families reportedly lived in the same compound.
When family members questioned Bwire about the child’s whereabouts, he allegedly threatened them with a panga before fleeing as police and residents returned to the area.
Shs2m ransom demand
On Friday morning, the suspect allegedly contacted Evelyn’s father and demanded Shs2 million, warning that the child would be killed if the money was not paid.
Police officers from the Flying Squad reportedly began tracking the phone used to make the calls. The suspect allegedly switched the phone off several times, with police coordinates placing him around Busitema Forest.
The child’s father was reportedly directed to several locations to deliver the ransom money, but the suspect allegedly changed the meeting points before switching off his phone.
Child’s body found
At around 2am on Saturday, September 26, Evelyn’s body was discovered beside the Busia-Bugiri highway, only a short distance from her home.
Police reportedly suspect that the body may have been left near the road in an attempt to make the child’s death appear to have resulted from a road accident.
The body was taken to Masafu Hospital for a postmortem as investigations continued.
Busia District Police Commander Grace Nyangoma said investigations had commenced and indicated that the suspect was expected to be arrested and taken to court.
Residents react
The discovery of the child’s body sparked anger in the community, with residents reportedly setting fire to Bwire’s house.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Evelyn’s disappearance, the ransom demand and her death.
The suspect remains an alleged perpetrator unless and until the allegations are established through the legal process.
written by @enock katamba
enock katamba
Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.