Groom-to-be arrested for murdering neighbor's child over Shs10m wedding ransom

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

The case quickly escalated into a homicide investigation the following morning when a handwritten ransom note demanding Shs10 million was left at the family gate. According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the primary suspect is Joshua Muhumuza, a neighbor and pedicurist who frequently provided services to the family.

Investigators revealed that Muhumuza vanished from his rental unit immediately after the ransom drop. Neighbors later informed authorities that the suspect had been frantically trying to raise money for his wedding, which was slated for December 26, 2026, at Munyonyo Beach.

Through intelligence-led operations, security forces tracked down and apprehended Muhumuza. During questioning, he confessed and directed homicide detectives to a maize plantation in Kyetume, Gayaza, where the toddler’s remains were discovered. He also implicated Florence Amusuguti, prompting her swift arrest.

Authorities have seized a mobile phone from the principal suspect for forensic analysis to trace communication logs and ransom demands. Meanwhile, the victim’s body was transferred to Mulago City Mortuary to undergo a post-mortem examination as police investigations proceed.

For more details on this developing story, read the full report on the Daily Monitor.