Uganda's Police Struggle Against Rising Kidnap-for-Ransom Cases

Recent events in Uganda have underscored significant challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling ransom kidnappings. In the past two months alone, the Kampala Metropolitan Police reported three high-profile cases, tragically resulting in two fatalities and only one successful rescue. These incidents include the abduction and subsequent murder of Lydia Babirye Sengendo, footballer Tonny Ssewankyiryanga, and the kidnapping of seven-year-old Osber Turinayo, whose body was found after a ransom demand was made.

Security analysts like Fred Egesa and Muhammad Kabugo attribute the surge in these crimes to economic distress, noting that perpetrators specifically target individuals perceived to have wealthy families. Egesa, a private investigator, previously advised the Uganda Police Force to develop specialized kidnapping investigation units, drawing parallels with trends observed in Kenya, but claims his recommendations were not adopted.

Instead of specialized units, police are reportedly relying on general investigative knowledge, which is proving insufficient against increasingly organized criminal elements. Experts argue that a lack of investment in intelligence gathering and specialized skills leaves police ill-equipped. This deficiency is compounded when victims are found dead, diminishing public confidence in the police’s ability to secure successful rescues.

While the police officially recorded a decrease in overall kidnapping cases in 2025, preliminary data for 2026 suggests a worrying increase in ransom-motivated abductions. The pattern suggests that when ransoms are not paid or police intervention occurs against the kidnappers’ wishes, victims are often killed before rescue is possible. Both experts are urging the government to prioritize strengthening intelligence networks and establish dedicated units adept at handling these complex and deadly crimes.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)