WAKISO — Two men suspected of kidnapping, robbing and murdering Babirye Lydia, the daughter of the former Buganda Katikkiro, have been charged and remanded to Kigo Government Prison until July 8, 2026.
The accused, Abubakari Ntege, 32, a welder from Kiteredde Village in Kakiri Town Council, and Shafic Kagga, 26, a boda boda rider from Nakuwadde Village in Bulenga, both in Wakiso District, were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Wakiso on Monday.
Chief Magistrate Naume Sikhoya read out three charges against the suspects: kidnapping with intent to procure a ransom, aggravated robbery, and murder.
Court heard that between June 3 and 4, 2026, at Kiteredde Zone in Kakiri Town Council, the accused allegedly, with force, detained Babirye Lydia against her will with intent to demand a ransom of Shs19 million for her release.
Prosecution further alleges that after kidnapping her, the suspects robbed Babirye Lydia of her personal belongings, including two mobile phones (a gold Samsung phone and a button phone known as Kabiriti), two ATM cards belonging to Absa and Centenary Bank, a national identity card, and two SIM cards from MTN and Airtel.
It is further alleged that the two, acting with malice aforethought, later murdered her.
Chief Magistrate Sikhoya informed the suspects that the court lacks jurisdiction to try capital offences and that their case will be mentioned periodically as investigations continue before it is committed to the High Court for trial.
State prosecutor Peninnah Joy Nakaweesa told the court that investigations are still ongoing and requested an adjournment to consolidate evidence.
The magistrate subsequently remanded the suspects to Kigo Government Prison until July 8, 2026, when the matter will return for mention.