On the eve of Christmas Day, 43-year-old Humphrey Barang’a, popularly known as Rasta or Metro, left his home on the outskirts of Mbale Town after having breakfast with his mother and brothers, heading to work as usual. Little did his family know that his departure would mark the beginning of an agonising search for their son.

70-year-old Jane Kasigane, who is Humphrey’s mother, says that his son left home to Mbale Town where he works as a luggage handler at a popular entertainment joint. After completing his duties, he is reported to have retired to his place of rest within the town at around 9 p.m., with plans to resume work the following morning.

However, on the morning of December 25, Barang’a failed to report to work. Concerned by his unusual absence, his employer went to his residence but did not find him. At home, the family initially believed he had been held up at work, explaining his absence on Christmas day.

Two days later, anxiety heightened when both the family and his employer were unable to trace him. This prompted a frantic search among friends, police stations, hospitals, and even morgues, but all efforts proved futile.

Barang’a’s brother, David Kagai, says his sibling was well-known for his diligence in casual jobs around Mbale Town and had shown no signs of distress or aggression prior to his disappearance.

The matter has since been reported at Mbale Police Station, where officers have activated search procedures for a missing person.

Back at home, the family remains hopeful that their 43-year-old son, Humphrey Barang’a, alias Rasta or Metro will be found safe and reunited with them.