Police Investigate Kidnapping and Murder of Babirye Lydia, Two Suspects Arrested

Police have launched investigations into the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Babirye Lydia, a 52-year-old resident of Kigowa, Ntinda.

According to ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police, a kidnapping case was reported at Old Kampala Police Station on 4 June 2026 after the victim went missing.

The suspects later contacted the victim’s relatives using her phone and demanded a ransom of UGX 19 million for her release. A joint security team immediately commenced investigations, leading to the identification and arrest of key suspects linked to the crime.

Owoyesigyire said detectives connected Kagga Shafiq and Ntege Abubakar to the kidnapping. Ntege was subsequently arrested in Nateete.

During interrogation, Ntege reportedly led detectives to his residence in Kiteredde Village, Kakiri Town Council, Wakiso District, where the victim’s body was recovered. The body was found in a decomposing state inside the suspect’s house, wrapped in a mattress cover and tied with ropes.

Investigators also discovered a grave that had allegedly been dug within the compound, suspected to have been prepared for the burial of the body.

The crime scene was processed and documented, and the body was transported to KCCA City Mortuary for a postmortem examination.

Kagga Shafiq and Ntege Abubakar remain in police custody as investigations continue.