Local Mounties are concerned about the well-being of a Ugandan man who disappeared last week while visiting Burnaby with a children’s choir.
Edward Luvuuma, 32, is a teacher who works with the African Children’s Choir, a group currently wrapping up its tour of Canada, which began in February. Luvuuma arrived in Burnaby along with the rest of the choir last Friday, the same day he was last seen, according to Burnaby RCMP.
“(He) was last seen around 10:30 p.m. in the 7700 block of Cumberland Street,” Burnaby RCMP Staff Sgt. Maj. John Buis told media on Monday.
“Burnaby RCMP want to emphasize that Mr. Luvuuma is not in any trouble. We are simply wanting to confirm his well-being. Mr. Luvuuma also has many friends and colleagues who want to ensure that he’s safe, both here in British Columbia and in Uganda,” Buis added.
Police are worried that Luvuuma, who is unfamiliar with Burnaby, might have gone for a walk and gotten lost in nearby wooded areas surrounding Cumberland Street or was injured and is in need of medical attention. Investigators have been in contact with rescuers, but crews haven’t been deployed yet.
Luvuuma was scheduled to leave Canada with the choir on Nov. 19 and travel to the United Kingdom. His visa expires on Nov. 25.
At this time, it doesn’t appear foul play is the cause of the disappearance, but Buis couldn’t say for certain as investigators continue to search for the chaperon.
When asked if he thought Luvuuma could have left on purpose in an attempt to stay in Canada after the tour, Buis said he couldn’t say but felt it was unlikely.
“We’re not sure at this point. He’s been in Canada for some time. It’s not just last week that he arrived, he arrived back in February, so that just doesn’t quite make sense, so we’re just trying to make sense of it all and find out if he’s OK,” Buis said.
Anyone with information on Luvuuma’s whereabouts or who may have seen Luvuuma since he was reported missing last week is asked to contact the Burnaby RCMP’s investigative support team at 604-294-7922.
