Police in Kasangati are investigating the suspected murder of a two-year-old girl whose body was discovered in a maize plantation in Kyetume, Gayaza, following a distressing ransom demand of Shs10 million made to her mother.
The child, identified as Dartiva Rosaries Kyomuhando, reportedly disappeared on October 27, 2026, while playing with neighbouring children. Her mother, Lillian Atukwatse, reported the disappearance to police, hoping that officers would help locate her daughter.
However, the situation took a frightening turn on the morning of October 28 when a ransom note demanding Shs10 million was reportedly found at the mother’s gate. The demand raised fears that the toddler had been kidnapped and was being held by people seeking money from the family.
Police investigations led to the arrest of two suspects, including Joshua Muhumuza, a pedicurist who had previously worked for Atukwatse. According to police, preliminary findings indicate that Muhumuza knew both the child and her mother before the incident.
Investigators say Muhumuza confessed to involvement in the crime and led officers to a maize plantation in Kyetume, Gayaza, where they recovered the toddler’s body. He also reportedly identified Florence Amusuguti as an alleged accomplice, leading to her arrest.
During the investigations, police recovered a mobile phone from Muhumuza. Officers said the device contained a SIM card allegedly used to send the ransom demand to the child’s mother, providing investigators with another piece of evidence to examine.
Police further revealed that Muhumuza’s residence was separated from the family’s home by a perimeter wall. The child’s body was taken to Mulago City Mortuary for a post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death.
The two suspects remain under investigation as police continue gathering evidence to establish what happened to Dartiva and the alleged roles of those arrested. The allegations against them have not yet been proven in court, while the tragic discovery has left the family and the surrounding community facing a painful loss.
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