Written By | Peter Luzinda
Ssezibwa Regional Police spokesperson Hellen Butoto said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly operated with accomplices.
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NJERU
Investigators in Buikwe District have begun piecing together the movements of a suspected kidnapping gang after taking two suspects through locations where they allegedly abducted and held victims for ransom.
Derick Nkurunziza and Richard Odong, both residents of Naminya, were escorted through several sites in and around Bujowaali Village in Njeru Municipality during a scene reconstruction exercise.
The operation involved detectives, Flying Squad personnel and officers from Njeru Police.
Police said the exercise was aimed at establishing how the alleged kidnappers moved their victims, identifying places used during the operations and gathering evidence that could help investigators trace other members of the suspected gang.
Ssezibwa Regional Police spokesperson Hellen Butoto said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly operated with accomplices.
The investigation has so far linked the group to four alleged kidnapping cases involving a child, a woman and two male juveniles.
The suspects are accused of demanding between Shs40 million and Shs100 million from victims' relatives before releasing those held captive.
Police believe the alleged operations were primarily driven by the pursuit of ransom money.
Some of the money allegedly paid by victims' families and firearms have reportedly been recovered as investigations continue.
Woman recounts abduction
The investigation has brought renewed attention to the ordeal of Molletti Komugisha, 50, the principal of Bosmo Schools in Njeru Municipality.
Ms Komugisha, who lives in Bujowaali Village, said she was abducted on May 28, 2026, while having dinner with her family.
She said an armed man jumped over the fence of her home and entered the compound.
After ordering the family members to remain inside, the man allegedly ordered Ms Komugisha to accompany him.
She said he threatened to shoot her if she refused.
The two then walked for more than six hours before she was taken into a house at about 2am.
According to Ms Komugisha, she was held there for three days while her captors communicated with her family and demanded Shs100 million.
After the first payment was made, the kidnappers allegedly asked for another Shs17 million, saying the additional money was needed for transport.
She was eventually released and left close to her home.
Ms Komugisha said she was not physically assaulted or sexually abused, but the experience left her severely traumatised.
She said fear affected her appetite while she was in captivity.
Her family temporarily relocated from their home after the incident but is now considering returning following the arrests.
September case
The police investigation also includes the abduction of Isaiah and Jeremiah Mugabane, two children who were taken from their home in Bujowali Zone on September 7.
Armed and masked men allegedly raided the home, injured domestic workers and confined them before taking the children.
The attackers reportedly demanded Shs100 million from the family.
The children were recovered safely on September 17 from Malindi Village in Wakisi Sub-county.
A third suspect, Kasaija Dan, was subsequently arrested.
Investigators allege that Kasaija was the overall commander of the operation and handled ransom money in Kampala. A firearm was also reportedly recovered from him.
Police are now using the reconstruction exercise and information obtained from the victims and suspects to establish the wider structure of the alleged network.
The arrests have been welcomed by residents in the affected communities, who say the reported kidnappings had created anxiety among families in Njeru.
Investigations remain ongoing, with police pursuing other suspected accomplices.
The suspects have not been convicted of the allegations against them and remain entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court.
