Missing children in Amuru worry authorities

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Tension is high among residents and local leaders in Amuru district following reported cases of the sudden disappearance of children linked to suspected ritual sacrifice.

This follows the sudden disappearance of three children in the district. However, one of the minors identified as Levis Gideon Kyagulanyi 7, was found dead and his body dumped in Unyama River in Elegu town council between Uganda – South Sudan border.

The minor’s body was found wrapped in transparent mattress polythene bearing bruises and a deep wound on the chest. One arm was missing and his genital parts while both legs were tightly knotted with a piece of cloth.

Florence Nambalilwa, Kyagulanyi’s grandmother, a resident of Lorikwo West village in Elegu town council, says the deceased disappeared on December 29th, 2019 only to be found dead on January 3rd, 2020. Kyagulanyi met his death days after visiting his grandmother for Christmas from Kayunga district.

Another case of missing child was reported on January 1, 2020 of four-year-old Prosy Aber. Her father, Richard Oboma, a resident of Acupele Kal West village in Atiak sub-county, said Aber was stolen by her aunt, Alice Akumu, who is already in police custody.

The victim was enticed from her parents by the aunt to go take porridge before she went missing. Wilfred Odiya Baguma, the Atiak sub-county LC 3 chairperson, said Aber’s sudden disappearance shocked residents. Michael Lakony, the Amuru district LC 5 chairperson described the incidents as bizarre.

Prior to that, residents of Luru village in Apaa sub-ward, Labana Parish in Pabbo sub-county were frightened by the mysterious disappearance of a two-year-old girl, Lisa Lakereber, a daughter to Jennifer Adokorach and Richard Komakech.

Lakareber’s grandfather, Charles Olum revealed that the grandchild went missing late November 2019 when he parents were away in the garden. Concerned residents combed the surrounding areas for three days in vain. In January 2019, residents found the body of a young girl slit-open in Lukole sub-county.

In March the same year, a decomposing body of a three-year-old boy was found dumped in Parabongo Sub-County in Agago district with his eyes gorged out and his left limb, arm and genitals missing. Patrick Jimmy Okema, the Aswa River region police spokesperson confirmed the incidents, saying investigations are ongoing.

Okema cautioned parents and guardians to remain on their children, where they play from and the people they associate with. The 2018 police annual crime report indicates that there were six ritual murders in the country compared to 10 cases in 2017.

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