KAMPALA
Police in Kampala is holding in their custody Sharon Kihembo, a resident of Kanyogoga village, Bukasa parish, Makindye Division, Kampala on allegations of child abduction.
The suspect according to reports abducted Mark Engola, 4, a son to her friend Jacklin Basilika on July 4.
On the fateful day, at around 2100hrs the suspect approached the victim’s mother and requested her assistance in retrieving some personal belongings left at the boda boda stage which the latter agreed to taking her son Engole Mark along.
It is reported that the suspect had lent the child’s mother Shs200,000 which she defaulted something that might have stemmed the abduction.
This was according to by a one Grace Alenyo, another friend to the victim who disclosed that Sharon (suspect) insisted that only after receiving the money would she return the child.
A case of child abduction was reported to Kinyogoga police station and upon interrogations Jacklin admitted the debt which she had borrowed from Sharon during her pregnancy adding that they had agreed she repay in August.
Further preliminary reports indicate that the suspect had subsequently demanded a ransom of UGX 800,000 for the safe return of the victim
A search for the suspect begun and her whereabouts remained unknown until today (Thursday 6th July, 2023) when she was apprehended and arrested at Nakasero Market.
The Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire said the suspect is in detention and the victim has been recovered and reunited with his parents.
“Kihembo led the authorities to the location where she had concealed the child in Salama Makindye Division. The child has been re-united with his parents and in good health condition,” said Owoyesigyire
ASP Owoyesigyire has urged the public to refrain from engaging in any form of illegal lending or borrowing, as it can lead to grave consequences.