Uganda Police Arrest Five Over Kidnap and Murder of Six-Year-Old Boy in Bugiri

Police in Uganda’s Busoga East region have detained five people accused of abducting and killing a six-year-old boy, identified as Loy Taaka, from Bugiri District.

According to police reports, Taaka, who lived in Buwembula village in Muterere sub-county, disappeared on 1 November. His caretaker, Moses Okello, reported the incident to Bugiri Central Police Station, prompting an immediate search by detectives and crime intelligence officers.

Investigators later arrested the prime suspect, Allan Waiswa, from his home in the same village. During questioning, Waiswa—who is the victim’s nephew—confessed to leading the abduction with the help of four others: Geoffrey Baliraine, Umar Osogoli, Isaac Mulondo, and a woman only identified as Phiona.

Busoga East Regional Police Commander, Edirisa Kyeyune, said Waiswa admitted that the group kidnapped the child hoping to extort 50 million shillings in ransom from Okello, whom they believed to be wealthy and generous.

The suspects allegedly used multiple mobile phones to issue threats and demand payment. However, as police closed in, Waiswa is said to have killed the boy to conceal his involvement.

Police later discovered that the child’s body had been buried behind Waiswa’s home. Detectives exhumed the remains, which were identified by the caretaker. The body was taken to Bugiri Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination before being handed over to the family for burial.

Busoga East police spokesperson, Michael Kasadha, confirmed that investigators recovered several exhibits from the scene to aid the ongoing inquiry. He added that all suspects have been subjected to mental health evaluations and were found to be of sound mind.