Police recover toddler stolen from Kireka in Soroti

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Kira Police have successfully recovered a three-month-old baby who was reportedly stolen from Kireka D Cell, Kireka ward, Namugongo division, Kira Municipality in Wakiso district.

Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) spokesperson Racheal Kawala on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, said their territorial Police said the key suspect, Brenda Amongin, was also arrested in connection with the theft.

The key suspect, Brenda Amongin. (Credit: Police)

“It is alleged that on May 4, 2026, Amongin visited the home of her cousin, Sarah Akunyo, having travelled from Kalaki district. She reportedly informed the family that she had come to process her national identity card (ID) under the express service,” Kawala said.

Kawala revealed that on May 5, 2026, at approximately 2:00pm, the mother of the victim briefly stepped outside, leaving the baby asleep in the house. Upon her return, she discovered that the child was missing, and the suspect had also disappeared.

“Following co-ordinated efforts by the Police, the suspect was successfully tracked and arrested in Soroti district. The stolen baby was safely recovered,” she added.

Kawala noted that preliminary findings indicate that the suspect had allegedly misled her husband into believing she was pregnant.

“On May 2nd 2026, she reportedly asked him for money, claiming she needed to go to the hospital to deliver,” Kawala noted.

She said the suspect is in custody and will be charged accordingly.

“Efforts are ongoing to reunite the baby with the family,” Police said.

2025 crime statistics

While releasing the 2025 Annual Police Crime Report in last month, the Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba said, “in 2025, a total of 196,405 cases were reported to the Police compared to 218,715 in 2024, which represents a 10.2% reduction. Out of the reported cases, 115,301 were submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, from which 79,291 were taken to Court. A total of 24,899 cases secured convictions, with 31,732 persons convicted and sentenced.”

In 2025, a total of 8,064 cases, representing 4.1% of the total reported cases, constituted child-related offences. These declined from 9,408 reported in 2024, giving a 14.3% decrease. Out of these, 848 cases were taken to court, 176 secured convictions, 68 were dismissed, 06 had acquittals, and 598 are undergoing trial, 3,486 were not proceeded with, while 3,730 are still under inquiry.

In 2025, Police recorded 263 cases of child theft compared to 252 reported in 2024 and 232 reported in 2023.