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Police have issued a cautionary alert regarding the resurgence of kidnapping cases involving schoolchildren, with criminals specifically targeting parents for ransom.

Police spokesperson Fred Enanga says the territorial Police in Kampala Metropolitan East and Naggalama division are currently grappling with a series of disturbing incidents involving the disappearance of individuals, with two of these cases having been confirmed as kidnappings for ransom.

The first case centres around Hope Biyinzika, 3, a pupil in baby class at Skyluck Junior School in Namaliri village, Mukono district.

It all started on September 22, at 1:00 p.m., Biyinzika left school to head home. Unfortunately, she was alone, as her parents were working in the garden at the time. She was kidnapped. Police are still pursuing the kidnappers.

Concerns grew even deeper when the parents received a distressing phone call from mobile number 0774974708 — the caller demanded a ransom of sh2.6m in 24 hours.

In another alarming incident classified as a kidnapping for ransom, Ssezibwa region, and Kayunga Police have been investigating the disappearance of a Shafik Ssesanga Nsubuga, 2.

Nsubuga vanished on the evening of September 19, around 8:00 pm, from Nakimbi village, Kangulumira town council in Kayunga district. Following his disappearance, radio announcements were made, leading to contact from suspects using phone numbers: 0786-066269 and 0756-527205.

“These individuals contacted the mother and demanded a ransom of shillings two million for Nsubuga's release,” Enanga said, citing that on September 22, the suspect reached out to the victim's father and directed him to Kayunga town, near Equity Bank branch – there, the father discovered the clothes of his son in a black polythene bag and received a chilling threat.

In yet another disappearance case, registered in Kasokoso under Kiira division, a 14-year-old Henry Olajo Kanyubi, a pupil at Kampala City Parents School in P7, vanished while on an errand to buy charcoal for his mother, Burungi Margret, around 7:00 pm.

Despite his mother's worries and attempts to reach him on the phone, which was switched off after beeping, Kanyubi never returned home.

On September 18, 2023, Kisakye Maria, a 24-year-old resident of Kiwumu village, Buloba parish, Wakiso, informed the authorities that her sister, Christine Mirembe, aged 15 and a senior two student at Buloba High School, disappeared on September 17, 2023.

Mirembe had left home at about 7:00 am from Kuwumu village, indicating that she needed to prepare for her return to school, and mentioned suffering from a headache, suggesting she needed a medical checkup.

Tips to help avoid kidnappings:

— Stay Informed: Be aware of the security situation in your area and any recent incidents of kidnappings.

- Travel Safely: When traveling, especially in unfamiliar areas, plan your routes and inform someone you trust about your journey.

- Vary Your Routine: Avoid predictable patterns in your daily routine, such as leaving and returning home at the same times every day.

-Be Cautious Online: Be cautious about sharing personal information on social media, as kidnappers can use this information to target victims.

- Stay Alert: Pay attention to your surroundings, and if something feels off or suspicious, trust your instincts and take precautions.

-Avoid High-Risk Areas: Stay away from areas known for high crime rates or kidnappings, if possible.

-Keep Doors and Windows Secure: At home and in your vehicle, ensure that doors and windows are locked and secure.

-Teach Safety to Children: Educate your children about the risks of abduction and provide them with strategies on how to stay safe.

-Emergency Contact List: Keep a list of emergency contacts and authorities handy.

-Travel in Groups: When possible, travel with others, especially at night.

-Know Emergency Numbers: Memorize emergency phone numbers and have a phone with you at all times.

-Use Safe Transportation: Choose reputable transportation options and avoid hitchhiking.

-Trust Your Gut: If someone or a situation makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself from it and seek help if necessary.

-Security Measures at Home: Install security systems and consider measures like motion-activated lighting.

-Stay Calm in a Crisis: In the unfortunate event of a kidnapping attempt, try to remain calm and cooperate with the kidnapper. Your safety is the top priority.

Remember that safety precautions can vary depending on your location and circumstances, so always adapt these tips to your specific situation and seek local advice when necessary.