Engole Mark, a 4-year-old boy who was kidnapped from Kanyogoga Village in Bukasa Parish, Makindye Division, Kampala District on July 4th, 2023, around 9 PM, has been located by Kabalagala Police Station.

In a recent incident that unfolded in Kampala, an abduction case involving Engole Mark has been successfully resolved by the diligent efforts of the police. The incident began when Engole’s mother, Jacklin Basilika, received a request from her friend, Ms Sharon Kihembo, to help retrieve some personal belongings left at a nearby boda boda stage.

Initially agreeing to let Engole accompany Kihembo, Basilika was taken aback when her other friend, Grace Alenyo, informed her that Kihembo was demanding a payment of Shs200,000, claiming it was owed to her by Basilika. Investigations conducted by the police later revealed that the two had been friends for approximately a year, and Basilika confirmed having borrowed the mentioned amount from Kihembo during her pregnancy, with a promise to repay it in August 2022.

According to ASP Luke Owoyesigire, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, it appeared that the motive behind the abduction stemmed from the disputed loan. Disturbingly, Kihembo subsequently escalated her demands to a ransom of Shs800,000 for the safe return of Engole Mark.

Taking swift action, the police promptly opened an abduction case at Kanyogoga Police Post and recorded statements from relevant witnesses, aiming to expedite the resolution of the matter. On July 6, Kihembo was apprehended at Nakasero Market. While in police custody, she disclosed the location where she had concealed the child in Salama, Makindye Division. Consequently, Engole Mark was joyfully reunited with his parents and found to be in good health.

ASP Owesigire emphasized the commitment of the police force to employ all available resources and investigative techniques to bring perpetrators of such heinous acts to justice. He urged the public to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station, and refrain from engaging in any form of illegal lending or borrowing, as it can lead to grave consequences.

The resolution of this abduction case serves as a testament to the effectiveness of proactive law enforcement and highlights the importance of community awareness and cooperation in ensuring the safety of individuals, particularly the most vulnerable among us.

Courtesy of Daily Monitor