Police in Kasangati have arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of a two-year-old girl whose body was found in a maize plantation in Kyetume, Gayaza, after her family received a ransom demand of Shs10 million.
The victim, identified as Dartiva Rosaries Kyomuhando, went missing on 27 October while playing with neighbouring children, according to preliminary police investigations. Her mother, Lillian Atukwatse, reported her disappearance to police.
The following morning, Atukwatse reportedly found a note at her gate demanding Shs10 million for the child’s release, raising fears that she had been kidnapped.
Investigations led police to Joshua Muhumuza, a pedicurist who reportedly confessed to the crime and guided officers to the maize plantation where the child’s body was recovered.
Muhumuza also reportedly identified Florence Amusuguti as his alleged accomplice. She has since been arrested as police continue investigating the case.
During a search, police recovered a mobile phone from Muhumuza. Investigators reportedly found a mobile telephone line on the device that was allegedly used to demand the Shs10 million ransom.
Preliminary investigations further indicate that Muhumuza knew both the child and her mother, having previously worked for Atukwatse as a pedicurist. His residence was separated from the family’s home by a perimeter wall.
The child’s body was taken to Mulago City Mortuary for a post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death.
Police investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance, murder and the alleged ransom demand.
