The Uganda Police Force has expressed concern over a growing trend of fatal ransom kidnappings following the abduction and murder of a 52-year-old woman in Ntinda-Kigowa, a suburb of Kampala.
Police say at least two ransom-related kidnappings have ended in the deaths of victims within the Kampala Metropolitan area over the past two months.
The latest victim, Babirye Lydia Sengendo, a resident of Ntinda, was reportedly abducted on June 4. Her body was later recovered in Kiteredde, Kakiri Town Council, Wakiso District.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire says the body was found in a decomposing state, wrapped in a mattress cover and tied with ropes at the residence of Kagga Shafiq, the prime suspect in the case.
According to Owoyesigyire, investigations began after Babirye’s relatives reported her disappearance to Old Kampala Police Station.
The case progressed when Kagga and an alleged accomplice, Ntege Abubakar, reportedly used the victim’s phone to contact family members and demand a ransom of Shs19 million.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Kituuma Rusoke has repeatedly advised families not to negotiate directly with kidnappers and instead report such incidents to law enforcement immediately.
By URN
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