Katumba Katumba Wamala Decries “Loss of Humanity” Amid Rising Kidnaps and Killingsa

Public Service Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala has called on religious leaders to openly condemn what he described as a “complete loss of humanity” in Uganda, citing a surge in kidnaps, unexplained killings, and mob justice incidents across the country. Speaking at the burial of 52-year-old Lydia Babirye Ssengendo in Mmende, Wakiso District, Katumba said the repeated acts of violence reflect a worrying erosion of respect for life that should concern both government and society at large, including religious institutions.

“Even if everything is placed on the government, religious leaders must also take this up as church institutions and speak to the people. The word humanity should be strongly emphasized in the church,” he said. “The truth is that we have completely lost humanity among ourselves. When you look at the kidnappers and killers, you ask yourself: what is the benefit of taking a life? Wherever they are, do they feel any satisfaction or happiness?”

Katumba, whose daughter Brenda Nantongo and driver Haruna Kayondo were killed in a 2021 assassination attempt on his life, said the justice process often brings limited comfort to grieving families. “You might say the suspect has been arrested, but the victim is already dead,” he said, adding that prolonged legal arguments can deepen families’ pain. He questioned the insistence on strict evidential thresholds in clear-cut cases, saying: “The suspect was caught digging the victim’s grave. What more evidence do you want?”

The family of Babirye, led by Leyla Nakisinde, described how the assailants used the victim’s phone to demand ransom on Thursday before later killing her despite payments made to secure her release. Nakisinde demanded justice for her mother, a call echoed in a condolence message from the President delivered by Sava Mukasa, the presidential envoy on Buganda affairs.

Police say Babirye’s body was found at the home of one of the prime suspects, Abubakar Ntege, in Kakiri Town Council, Wakiso District. Ntege was arrested in Natete after investigators traced ransom communications demanding UGX 19 million. The family had earlier received photographs showing Babirye gagged, prompting them to raise UGX 7 million, which was paid to the kidnappers.

Detectives later tracked the phone used in the ransom demands and arrested Shafic Kagga in Bulenga, who allegedly implicated Ntege as the mastermind. Investigators believe the motive may extend beyond ransom, with emerging lines of inquiry pointing to possible land disputes involving the deceased and some family members.

The case adds to a growing number of ransom-related kidnappings reported in and around Kampala in recent months. In a similar incident, footballer Tonny Ssewakyiryanga, 25, from Kikubampanga Cell in Kakiri, was kidnapped and later killed after his family received ransom demands.

On May 29, another case was reported in Njeru Municipality, involving Mollete Komugisha, the wife of the director of St Abel School, Bosses Taremwa. She was abducted from her home in Bujoweli Zone, with captors demanding UGX 50 million. After payment was made, she was reportedly dropped near her home by boda-boda riders. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke acknowledged the rise in kidnapping cases but said security agencies continue to track and arrest suspects involved.

Beyond kidnappings, concerns over mob justice have intensified following last week’s incident in Naguru that led to the death of Uganda Cranes rugby player Sydney Gongodya. Police have arrested ten suspects and are pursuing others in connection with the killing, which has shocked the rugby community-URN.

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