KABALE – The Directorate of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Kibuli Headquarters in Kampala has today transported Bethan Nimurungi, a former pupil of Bishop Asili Memorial Nursery and Primary School, along with her caretaker, Phionah Rukundo, to Kabale Central Police Station for further proceedings.
The development comes after Nimurungi, who had been missing for five years since April 23rd, 2018, when her mother, Mercy Kirande, and her friend Phionah Rukundo picked her from Bishop Asili Memorial Nursery and Primary School in Kabale District was discovered on September 22nd, 2023, by detectives in Kampala, at Rukundo’s residence in Manyangwa Village, Gayaza-Wakiso District. Following her discovery, Nimurungi had been held at Kibuli CID Headquarters in Kampala, while Rukundo had obtained a Police Bond.
Kirande, who is currently in South Africa, had initially requested a one-week permission in 2018 to take her child to Kampala for medical treatment due to stomach complications. However, she never returned Nimurungi to school.
Since Nimurungi’s disappearance in 2018, Tadeo Ruzindantaro, her father, through his lawyer, Timothy Twikirize of Twikirize and Company Advocates, filed a lawsuit against the management of Bishop Asili Memorial Nursery and Primary School before Kabale High Court, under civil suit number 36 of 2022. The suit accused the school of releasing Nimurungi to his estranged wife, Mercy Kirande, without his consent.
During a weekly press briefing on Monday this Week, Uganda Police spokesperson Fred Enanga announced that Nimurungi and Rukundo would be transported to Kabale Central Police Station for further proceedings.
Today, at approximately 12:00 PM, Nimurungi and Rukundo arrived at Kabale Central Police Station. Rukundo attempted to shield her face from the press by covering it with a cloth. She was placed in police cells, while Nimurungi was entrusted to the Child and Family Protection Unit at Kabale Central Police Station. Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, confirmed the arrival of the suspects and assured that the case would be handled according to the law. He also advised the public to adhere to legal procedures to avoid such consequences.
CUE IN MAATE….ON THE MATTER….RR/ENG//
The school’s Head Teacher, Rev Sister Margaret Tusiime, expressed gratitude to God for uncovering the truth, emphasizing the importance of truth and justice.
CUE IN SR TUSIIME….ON THE MATTER….RR/ENG//
