Ndeeba: Police Probe Murder of Five-Year-Old Girl

Rachael Kawala

Kampala — Police in Nateete are investigating the murder of a five-year-old girl whose body was recovered from a water stream in Rubaga Division, Kampala District.

The deceased, identified as Babirye Mariam, disappeared from her parents’ home in Betania Zone, Ndeeba Ward, on 22 May 2026 at around 8:00 p.m. According to preliminary police findings, Babirye had been playing outside with other children shortly before she went missing.

Her parents reported her disappearance at Katwe Police Station the following day after failing to trace her whereabouts. A search was launched in the surrounding areas, with residents and local leaders joining efforts to find the missing child.

On 24 May 2026, Babirye’s body was discovered floating in the Nalukolongo water stream in Kaboowa Zone, Mutundwe Parish, also within Rubaga Division. Police responded to the scene, documented the area and retrieved the body, which was later taken for a post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala said investigations into the circumstances leading to the child’s death are ongoing. Detectives are recording statements from family members, neighbours and other potential witnesses as they work to reconstruct Babirye’s final movements.

“Police are actively pursuing all leads and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible,” SP Kawala noted in a statement, adding that forensic evidence from the scene and medical findings will guide the inquiry.

The incident has caused shock and grief in the local community, with residents calling for enhanced neighbourhood vigilance and better protection of children. Local leaders have urged parents to report suspicious individuals and activities promptly to security agencies.

Police have reiterated their appeal to parents and guardians to closely supervise their children, particularly when they are playing outside the home or in public spaces. Authorities say timely reporting of missing children greatly improves the chances of safe recovery and effective response.

As investigations continue, police have called on anyone with information that may aid the case to come forward and share details with Nateete Police Station or the nearest police post.

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