Detectives investigating the kidnapping and murder of 52-year-old Lydia Babirye Ssengendo from Ntinda-Kigowa say they are not convinced that the crime was motivated solely by a ransom demand of UGX 19 million.
The victim’s body was recovered over the weekend by the Flying Squad following days of intensive investigations into her disappearance.
Babirye had been missing since May 4, 2026, when she was last seen in Busunju while travelling back to Kampala.
Her decomposing body was discovered at the home of one of the prime suspects, Abubakar Ntege, in Kakiri Town Council, Wakiso District.
According to police, investigators made a breakthrough after the kidnappers contacted one of the deceased’s daughters, Leyla Nakisinde, demanding a ransom of UGX 19 million and threatening to kill her mother if the money was not paid.
The family later received photographs showing Babirye with her mouth gagged, prompting them to raise and send UGX 7 million to the kidnappers in a bid to secure her release.
Using the phone number that had been used to issue the ransom demands, detectives tracked and arrested Shafic Kagga in Bulenga.
During interrogation, police say Kagga implicated Ntege as the alleged mastermind behind the crime and led investigators to his arrest.
Authorities report that Ntege later directed officers to his home in Kiteredde Village, Kakiri Town Council, where Babirye’s body was recovered. Detectives also discovered a freshly dug grave within the compound, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding the murder.
Although the two suspects remain in custody, Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said investigations are ongoing, with detectives pursuing additional suspects believed to have participated in the crime.
Owoyesigyire noted that investigators are exploring other possible motives and do not believe the kidnapping and murder were carried out solely for the ransom money that was demanded.
Police have urged members of the public with any information that could aid the investigation to cooperate with authorities as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances behind the killing.
By Our Reporter
8th June 2026
End