Woman Kidnapped for Ransom Found Dead in Wakiso, Two Suspects Arrested

Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the kidnapping and murder of 52-year-old Babirye Lydia, whose body was recovered from a house in Wakiso District days after her family was asked to pay a ransom for her release.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police, the victim, a resident of Kigowa in Ntinda, was reported missing on June 4, 2026. A kidnapping case was subsequently registered at Old Kampala Police Station after her disappearance.

Police spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire said the suspects later contacted the victim’s relatives using her mobile phone and demanded Shs19 million in exchange for her freedom.

“A joint security team immediately launched investigations, leading to the identification and arrest of key suspects connected to the case,” Owoyesigyire said in a statement.

Investigations led detectives to two suspects identified as Kagga Shafiq and Ntege Abubakar, who were linked to the kidnapping.

Police arrested Ntege in Nateete and, during interrogation, he reportedly guided investigators to his residence in Kiteredde Village, Kakiri Town Council, Wakiso District.

At the residence, detectives recovered the body of Babirye in a decomposing state. Police said the body had been wrapped in a mattress cover and tied with ropes inside the suspect’s house.

Investigators also discovered a grave that had already been dug within the compound, allegedly in preparation for burying the body.

“The body was found in a decomposing state inside the suspect’s house, wrapped in a mattress cover and tied with ropes,” Owoyesigyire said.

The crime scene was processed and documented before the body was transferred to KCCA City Mortuary for a postmortem examination.

Police said Kagga Shafiq and Ntege Abubakar remain in custody as investigations continue.

The motive behind the killing has not yet been established, and police say further inquiries are ongoing.

Owoyesigyire said additional updates will be provided as investigations progress.

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