The Kenya High Commission in Kampala has intervened in a case involving a 13-year-old Kenyan girl who was left stranded in Uganda after being abandoned by her uncle, triggering a swift diplomatic and humanitarian response that has now led to efforts to reunite her with her family in Kisumu County.
Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Ababu Namwamba, confirmed that the mission acted immediately after being alerted to the situation involving Beryl Akumu Juma, whose plight had raised concern over her safety and welfare while in a foreign country without parental care or support.
According to the High Commission, the minor was traced and placed under safe custody shortly after the matter came to their attention.
“The plight of 13-year old Beryl Akumu Juma reached us at the Kenya High Commission in Kampala, and we have not wasted a minute in finding and placing her in our safe custody.
We have reached her family back in Kisumu County, and arrangements have been made for Beryl to be reunited with them. Priority now turns to returning Beryl to school and securing her a safe home environment,” Namwamba said.
Diplomatic officials in Kampala confirmed that coordination with authorities in Kenya was immediately initiated to establish contact with the girl’s relatives.
After verification, the family in Kisumu County was successfully traced, paving the way for reunification arrangements.
In a follow-up statement, the High Commission reiterated that the minor is now under official protection and receiving care as coordination continues between Uganda and Kenyan authorities to facilitate her safe return.
“Beryl Akumu Juma is now safely in the custody and care of the Kenya High Commission in Kampala, and her family in Kisumu County has been traced. We are reuniting them, as we turn attention to getting Beryl back to school and securing a fitting home environment,” the mission stated.
Officials familiar with the case indicated that the focus has now shifted from immediate rescue to long-term welfare planning, including her education and reintegration into a stable family setting in Kenya.
The incident has highlighted the role of diplomatic missions in protecting vulnerable citizens abroad, particularly minors in distressing circumstances.
It also underscores the growing need for stronger safeguards for children who travel or are taken across borders under informal or family arrangements.
Beryl is expected to be repatriated to Kenya in the coming days once all procedural and welfare arrangements are completed.