Police in Kibaale district have arrested Omuhereza Annet Mujuni Kengozi, 30, for allegedly kidnapping her co-wife’s five-year-old daughter in Matale sub-county.
Kengozi, a mobile money and MTN SIM card registration agent in Kiryanjagi trading centre, Kagadi district, is the second wife of Deo Lubega, who is also an MTN agent in Kiryanjagi sub-county.
The victim, a pupil at Holy Family Nursery and Primary School, is the daughter of Lubega’s first wife, Sarah Nabosa.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when Kengozi allegedly kidnapped the child while she was on her way to school. Nabosa, the child’s mother, said she attempted to pursue the suspect, who was later intercepted in Kagadi town at around midday.
During questioning at Kibaale Central Police Station, Kengozi claimed she had left five million Ugandan shillings at home before going to work. Upon returning, she discovered the money had been stolen by her husband, Lubega, who then went into hiding.
In retaliation, she kidnapped the child to pressure him into returning the money.
Kibaale District Police Commander (DPC) Moses Kitamirike confirmed Kengozi’s arrest on child kidnapping charges. He stated that investigations are ongoing to establish further details surrounding the case.
Child abduction cases remain a serious concern, and authorities warn that individuals taking the law into their own hands will face legal consequences.
The case underscores ongoing domestic tensions that sometimes escalate into criminal acts.
