A couple in Jinja, Faridah Namugera (38) and Michael Ngobi (41), devised a desperate plan to escape the clutches of financial turmoil, – faking a kidnapping to secure funds for school fees and settle mounting debts. However, their scheme took an unexpected turn when they were apprehended by the very security team they sought to deceive, aiming for a ransom of UGX 2 million.
The couple, residents of Buwagi village in Budondo sub-county, now find themselves detained at Buwenge Central Police Station in Jinja, charged with providing false information to the police.
Namugera, during interrogation, revealed the dire circumstances that pushed them to undertake such a risky and ill-advised endeavor. “This month of January is a hot [difficult] month, and children are soon reporting back to school in early February,” she explained. “We faked the kidnap to get money for [school] fees and also clear huge debts.”
The couple’s plan unfolded as Ngobi reported to the police that Namugera had been kidnapped by unknown individuals. The supposed abductors were expected to demand a ransom of 2 million shillings using Namugera’s phone number.
However, the police, armed with a tracking system, quickly debunked the fabricated story. Investigations revealed that Namugera had never left Namulesa ward in Jinja, contrary to the reported kidnap that allegedly took her to Budaka district.
On Friday, January 5, the police discovered Namugera at a friend’s residence in Namulesa ward in Jinja, consuming alcohol and eating pork. It was uncovered that, following the fake ransom demand, Namugera’s family had raised 1.43 million and sent it to her mobile money number, believing it was going to the kidnappers.
The failed ruse not only disrupted the police’s resources but also caused unnecessary panic and suspicion in Budondo, where the non-existent crime was reported. Police spokesperson James Mubi emphasized the couple’s actions as dishonest, urging the public to avoid creating a history of deceit if they aim for prosperity.
