Two Remanded Over Kidnap and Murder of 52-Year-Old Woman; Suspect Cites 'Sex Mishap'

Two individuals, Abubakar Ntege, 32, and Shafic Kagga, 26, have been formally charged with kidnapping with intent to procure a ransom, aggravated robbery, and murder. They are accused of abducting Lydia Babirye from her Kampala home between June 3 and June 4.

The prosecution alleges that the suspects used Babirye’s phone to demand Shs19 million from her family for her release. Further accusations include robbing the victim of her mobile phones, National ID, and bank ATM cards before taking her life. Following a missing person report, police traced the suspects by tracking the victim’s phone, leading them to Kakiri.

Detectives discovered Babirye’s decomposing body near a hastily dug grave intended to conceal it. During questioning, Ntege reportedly admitted to knowing Babirye intimately and claimed she died at his home during a sexual act, which he stated led him to contact the family for money. He denied the murder charge.

Local residents have expressed relief, describing the accused as individuals previously associated with criminal activities. State prosecutor Peninnahjoy Nakaweesa informed the court that investigations are ongoing, requesting a month for further inquiries.

Chief Magistrate Naume Sikhoya stated that her court lacks the jurisdiction for such capital offenses and ordered the suspects to be remanded until July 8. The ongoing investigation aims to gather additional evidence in this serious case.

Source: Daily Monitor