Authorities in the Kigezi region have launched a search following the disappearance of 15-year-old Joel Niwarinda, a Senior Two student at Nyabikoni Secondary School in Kabale Municipality. The student went missing in the early hours of October 21, 2025, raising alarm among classmates, teachers, and school officials.
Joel, described by peers as disciplined and respectful, reportedly had no history of misbehavior at school. His sudden disappearance has left the school community deeply unsettled.
Joel’s mother, Caroline Abaasa, who serves as a hospital administrator at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, confirmed that the family has conducted extensive searches across Nyabikoni, Kigongi Ward, Rwakaraba, and nearby areas, but there has been no sign of her son.
The school administration has yet to issue an official comment on the matter. The case has been formally reported to Kabale Central Police Station under reference number 41/23/10/2025, and detectives in Kabale are intensifying efforts to locate Joel.
The disappearance has sparked concern among parents and community members about the safety of students in boarding schools. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the search.
Halson Kagure, Public Relations Officer at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, expressed the hospital’s concern, stating, “This is a very worrying situation for all of us. We are using every possible means to raise awareness and support the search for Joel.”
As the investigation continues, Joel Niwarinda remains missing, and the police appeal to the public to report any leads that could help bring him home safely.
