Gayaza Toddler Murdered After Shs10m Ransom Demand

Kampala Metropolitan Police have taken two individuals into custody following the tragic kidnapping and murder of a two-year-old toddler in Wakiso District. The young victim, Kyomuhando Dartiva Rosaries, was reported missing by her mother, Ms. Lillian Atukwatse, on October 27, 2026, after disappearing while playing with neighborhood children.

According to Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the missing person case shifted to a murder investigation on October 28. A handwritten ransom note demanding Shs10 million was left at the family’s gate, escalating the urgency of the search.

Intelligence-led operations led law enforcement to arrest Joshua Muhumuza, a local pedicurist living just over a perimeter wall from the victim’s family. Investigators noted that Muhumuza was familiar with both the child and her mother, having previously provided beauty services to them.

During questioning, Muhumuza allegedly confessed and guided homicide detectives to a maize plantation in Kyetume, where the toddler’s remains were discovered. He also named Florence Amusuguti as an accomplice, leading to her swift arrest by authorities.

Detectives confiscated a mobile phone from the primary suspect for forensic analysis to check communication records and any links to the ransom demands. The toddler’s body was transported to Mulago City Mortuary for a post-mortem examination to establish the precise cause of death.

Police expressed condolences to the grieving family and confirmed that both suspects remain detained as investigations proceed toward a court arraignment. Read more details of this developing story on the Daily Monitor.