By Police have successfully rescued a three-year-old boy who was kidnapped from Kisoro District and held for ransom, following a coordinated operation between local security agencies and regional authorities.
The child, Ivan Bent, was abducted on July 21, 2025, and taken to Nyakabande Refugee Settlement in Kisoro, where he was kept hidden for days. According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the suspect identified as Abani Jaster and believed to be 18 years old was arrested after intensive investigations.
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“The suspect claimed to be 17, but we believe he is 18. He kidnapped the child and began demanding money from the parents starting at UGX 30 million and eventually dropping the demand to UGX 20,000 for food,” Owoyesigyire revealed.
Police tracked Jaster to Mujore Village in Jomba Subcounty, Shuru District, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and later apprehended him with the support of other security agencies. He was returned to Uganda, where he led authorities to the location of the child.
Bent was found unharmed in the care of refugees at the camp and was promptly reunited with his family. Owoyesigyire commended the swift action of the officers and the cooperation of the child’s parents, which made the rescue possible.
“This act of kidnapping is deeply troubling, and we urge communities to remain alert. If someone brings a child to you under unclear circumstances, report it immediately to the nearest police station,” Owoyesigyire cautioned.
The suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue. Authorities have reiterated their warning to the public to be vigilant and help prevent similar crimes against children.
