Two arrested over kidnap, murder of estates manager

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Security operatives in Kampala, working jointly with the Uganda Police Force, have arrested two suspects in connection with the kidnap and murder of an estates manager who was allegedly held for ransom before being killed.

The victim, Lydia Babirye Ssengendo, 52, daughter of the late Paul Ssengendo, was reportedly kidnapped under mysterious circumstances. Her captors later demanded sh19m from her family for her release.  The late Ssengendo is the brother of Buganda kingdom's ex-Katikkiro, Eng. J.B. Walusimbi.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, two suspects, Shafiq Kagga and Abubakar Ntege, have been arrested following several days of investigations and tracking operations.

Babirye's death was confirmed in a police statement issued on Sunday (June 7).

Owoyesigyire said a case of kidnap was reported at Old Kampala Police Station on June 4, 2026, after the victim went missing.

He said the kidnappers later contacted her relatives using her mobile phone and demanded a ransom of sh19m.

“A joint security team immediately launched investigations, leading to the identification and arrest of key suspects connected to the case,” he said.

According to Owoyesigyire, detectives linked Kagga and Ntege to the alleged kidnap through investigative leads, leading to Ntege's arrest in Nateete.

He said Ntege later confessed during interrogation and led detectives to his residence in Kiteredde village, Kakiri town council, Wakiso district.

During a search of the premises, investigators recovered Babirye's body.

“The body was found in a decomposing state inside the suspect’s house, wrapped in a mattress cover and tied with ropes,” he explained.

Investigators also discovered a grave that had allegedly been dug within the compound, which police believe was intended for the burial of the body.

Police processed and documented the scene before conveying the body to KCCA City Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

Owoyesigyire said the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue and pledged to provide further details as inquiries progress.

Family recounts disappearance

Martin Kaweesi, a brother of the deceased, said Babirye left home at about 8:00 am on June 3, 2026, which was Uganda Martyrs Day, but never returned.

Later that evening, her daughter, identified only as Leila, who had recently graduated, contacted Kaweesi seeking information about her mother's whereabouts.

“She later informed me on Thursday morning that she had received a call from some strangers on her mother’s line, confirming that they had her but asked for money,” Kaweesi said.

He explained that he immediately contacted security agencies, which began tracking the phone. The signal reportedly moved through several locations, including Lubiri Ring Road and Katwe.

Kaweesi said additional security operatives joined the search on June 5, while a formal case was opened at Old Kampala Police Station.

However, investigators faced difficulties because the suspects allegedly used Babirye's phone to communicate with her daughter and only made contact at night through WhatsApp.

According to Kaweesi, investigators made progress after the daughter requested a phone contact through which the ransom money could be sent.

She reportedly transferred sh1m initially and later sent another sh7m on Saturday.

“The security operatives later informed us that they had arrested one of the suspects from Bulenga and was leading them to his residence in Kakiri,” Kaweesi stated.

Babirye was living with her mother, Lydia Ssengendo, and one of her brothers.

Another brother, Derrick Musaazi, president of the Rotary Club of Munyonyo Springs, said on Sunday evening that the body was still at KCCA City Mortuary in Mulago, while prayers had been organised at the family's home in Kigoowa.