Police Arrest Woman Over Self-Kidnapping in Kampala

Rachael Kawala

Police in Kampala North have arrested a 34-year-old woman, Nanteza Aisha, on allegations of staging her own kidnapping, an incident that triggered public panic and a full-scale police investigation.

According to Police, the case was registered on 15th December 2025 after the suspect’s mother, Nakanwagi Rose, a resident of Kasana in Luwero District, reported that her daughter had gone missing while travelling from Wakiso to Luwero.

Preliminary investigations indicate that on 12th December 2025 at around 4:00pm, Nanteza Aisha, who resides in Katooke, Nabweru, Wakiso District, informed her mother that she was travelling to Luwero later that evening. However, she never arrived at her destination.

The following day, 13th December, the victim’s sister reportedly received a WhatsApp video showing Nanteza appearing restrained in a bush, with her hands, legs, and mouth tied. In the video, an unidentified voice demanded a ransom of UGX 50 million, further heightening concern among family members and prompting intensified police operations.

Police launched an extensive search and investigation, deploying a task team to trace the victim and the alleged kidnappers. Following intelligence-led operations, the suspect was traced and arrested at Kigombe in Luwero District.

Police say investigations revealed inconsistencies that led to the conclusion that the kidnapping had been staged by the suspect herself.

“She is currently in custody and will be produced in court to answer the relevant charges,” said SP Kawala Racheal, the Public Relations Officer for Wamala Region.

Police strongly condemned the act, noting that false reports of serious crimes not only cause unnecessary public fear and emotional distress to families but also divert critical security resources from genuine emergencies.

Authorities have warned members of the public against fabricating criminal incidents, emphasizing that such actions are punishable under Ugandan law.