crime scene management

NEWS- Kampala Metropolitan Northern Police is puzzled by a series of child sacrifices, in Kizingiza and Kabaganda in Kiteezi parish, within Kasangati Town council-Wakiso district.

At least four girls aged 6-10 have been killed in similar fashion since the beginning of this year. The modus operandi involves kidnapping, defilement, and triangulation using the victims’ clothing before dumping bodies in nearby bushes.

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For nine months, police have been searching for the perpetrators behind a string of gruesome murders suspected to be linked to human ritual sacrifices. Despite their efforts, no significant progress has been made in apprehending those responsible.

This however, has left the residents who are concerned unhappy with the slow movement and energy put in by the Police. Families of victims, like Fahiya Nampija 10 years and Jolyin Namatovu-8 years, have expressed disappointment with the police’s handling of the cases.

Ibrahim Kakooza, the grieving father of Nampija, recounted the tragic events surrounding his daughter’s disappearance and murder. On February 18th, Fahiya was abducted while enroute to the mosque around 8:00 am, and her lifeless body was discovered just meters from their home.

Speaking to this publication, Kakooza expressed frustration and disappointment with the handling of the case by the Kawempe Police Division. Despite seeking assistance to review security footage near the crime scene, officers refused, citing bureaucratic protocols.

“I initially reported the incident at Kiteezi Police Post and was directed to Kawempe Police Division,” Kakooza explained. “However, upon arrival, officers claimed they couldn’t access the cameras until Kasangati regional Police forwarded the case file. This has hindered our efforts to examine crucial evidence. Kakooza said”

Kakooza’s experience highlights concerns about the effectiveness and responsiveness of law enforcement in investigating crimes, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals.

He said that he faced further obstacles in his quest for justice. Despite his frustration, he sought alternative help.  “A friend suggested I contact Naguru Camera Command Center for assistance,” Kakooza explained. “However, they redirected me to Kawempe Police, advising me to follow the established protocol.”

Edith Nansubuga, the distraught grandmother of Jolyin Namatovu, also recounted the horrific events surrounding her granddaughter’s murder last week. Jolyin was abducted mere steps from their home, and her lifeless body was discovered in a nearby bush.

//Cue in: “omwana wange… 

Hasan Sempala, the area defense secretary, expressed concern over a series of gruesome murders suspected to be linked to human sacrifice. Since January, five incidents have been reported, including one where a girl was rescued by residents but left severely injured and traumatized to the point of silence.

“We’ve had five such cases, yet the police haven’t provided any updates on the perpetrators or their motives,” Sempala noted. “The community is frustrated and fearful, demanding justice and accountability of our children. Sempila noted”.

The Regional Police Commander, Kampala Metropolitan North, Moses Nanoka has apologized to the families of the victims for initial delays in police response to the recent murders. He acknowledged the challenges, citing his new appointment to the region, but assured the public that a specialized team is working tirelessly to uncover the perpetrators and their motives.

Nanoka expressed determination to dismantle the criminal network behind these heinous crimes, stating: “The task is not easy, but we’re doing everything possible… We’ve reached somewhere in investigations, and soon we’ll make a breakthrough. Nanoka said while meeting the distressed residents”.