Police at Kampala Central Police Station are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of an 11-year-old girl found inside a taxi at Old Taxi Park in Kampala, highlighting the dangers of children traveling unaccompanied.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, SP Rachael Kawala, the incident occurred on December 23, 2025, at around 9:00am at the Tororo Stage of Old Taxi Park. Preliminary investigations indicate that the child had been traveling alone from Tororo to Walusubi in Mukono District.
“The guide informed the driver that the child was traveling to Walusubi in Mukono District and provided him with two telephone contacts of the person who was supposed to receive her upon arrival,” SP Kawala said.
The taxi, a Toyota Hiace with registration number UBM 696P, was driven by Kalulu Bosco. The girl was reportedly handed to him by a guide known only as Asuman while the vehicle was loading passengers.
However, upon reaching Walusubi at about 12:30am, the driver attempted to reach the contacts but was unsuccessful. “One phone was switched off, while the other was answered by a person who stated that it was a wrong number,” SP Kawala said.
With no one available to receive the child, the driver decided to continue to Kampala, intending to return her to Tororo if the contacts remained unreachable. The girl reportedly spent the night inside the taxi.
Tragically, the following morning, as the vehicle was being loaded for the return trip to Tororo, one of the passengers noticed that the child was motionless. Police were immediately alerted, and a case of sudden death was registered. The body was later conveyed to KCCA City Mortuary for postmortem examination.
Police also noted that the child was not in the company of any known relative. A search of her belongings recovered a piece of paper with two telephone numbers and a yellow T-shirt bearing the badge of St. Anthony Parents Mukono, with the name “Kiiza” written on it.
“Efforts are ongoing to identify the deceased and trace her relatives,” SP Kawala said. She urged parents and guardians to take extra precautions when children are traveling.
“We would like to advise parents and guardians to ensure that children travel in the company of a responsible adult or are appropriately supervised at all times for their safety,” SP Kawala added.
This incident raises urgent concerns about child safety during public transport journeys, particularly for minors traveling without supervision, and serves as a stark reminder for parents and guardians to exercise vigilance.