(Mityana) – Congolese national, identified as Kadogo, has been arrested in Mityana district for kidnapping a three year old child, Elizabeth Nsaba, and demanding a ransom of one million Ugandan shillings from the child’s mother. This incident has raised concerns over the growing threat of kidnapping for ransom in the region.
Kadogo, a businessman operating in Mityana, was apprehended following a critical lead provided by a commuter taxi operator. According to Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma, the operator was initially given the child with instructions to deliver her to her mother upon receipt of the ransom payment. However, the operator chose to cooperate with the authorities, providing them with the registration number of the vehicle Kadogo had used during the kidnapping.
This information was pivotal in tracking down Kadogo, leading to his arrest and the safe recovery of the young girl. The police acted swiftly to rescue Elizabeth, who has since been reunited with her mother, bringing relief to the family and the community.
The arrest was officially announced by Kituuma during a weekly joint security briefing at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala. During the briefing, Kituuma emphasized the gravity of kidnapping for ransom, a crime that carries severe penalties under Ugandan law. He urged the public to remain vigilant, stressing the importance of reporting any suspicious activities that could indicate a potential kidnapping or other criminal behavior.
Kidnapping for ransom is a personal and community level threat, not just a crime, Kituuma added.