Two suspected kidnappers taken through Njeru in scene reconstruction exercise

[Da Dona]

Security agencies in Njeru Municipality, Buikwe District, have taken two suspected armed kidnappers through several locations where they allegedly abducted and held victims as part of a scene reconstruction exercise.

The suspects, identified as Derick Nkurunziza and Richard Odong, residents of Naminya, were recently arrested over allegations of kidnapping people and demanding large sums of money from their relatives as ransom.
Detectives, together with the Flying Squad and Njeru Police, escorted the suspects to locations in and around Bujowaali Village, where they allegedly abducted, transported and confined victims.

Ssezibwa Regional Police spokesperson Hellen Butoto said preliminary investigations indicate that the two suspects worked with other accomplices and may have been involved in the alleged kidnapping of four people — a child, a woman and two male juveniles.

According to Butoto, the group demanded ransoms ranging from Shs40 million to Shs100 million, with victims allegedly released after their relatives made payments.

Police also reportedly recovered some money and firearms from the suspects.
One of the alleged victims is Molletti Komugisha, 50, principal of Bosmo Schools in Njeru Municipality. She said she was abducted from her home in Bujowaali on May 28, 2026, by an armed man who entered the compound while she and her family were having dinner.
Komugisha said the attacker threatened to shoot if the family raised an alarm before forcing her to leave with him. She said they walked for more than six hours, although they allegedly remained within Bujowaali Village.

She was eventually taken to a house where she was held for three days. Her captors reportedly demanded Shs100 million from her relatives for her release and later asked for an additional Shs17 million, allegedly for transport.
After the money was sent, Komugisha said she was released and abandoned near her home.

Although she said she was not physically assaulted or sexually abused, Komugisha described the experience as traumatic and said she and her husband relocated to another village because of fear.

Residents have welcomed the arrests and reconstruction exercise, saying the alleged kidnappings had created fear in the community.

Komugisha said the arrest of the suspects has given her confidence to consider returning home.
Police say investigations are continuing as security agencies pursue other suspected accomplices.

The suspects are expected to face criminal charges once investigations are completed and the case is sanctioned for prosecution.

Nile post UG​