Police in Masaka and other security agencies have rescued , CBS radio journalist Tomusange Kayinja’s son, who had been kidnapped for four days in Nyendo, Masaka district.

Preliminary reports show that 28 year old Mark Senkumba was kidnapped, drugged, and whisked away on a boda boda on his return journey to Kampala from Masaka where he had gone to visit his father.

The Greater Masaka spokesperson,Twaha Kasirye, on December 9, 2024 revealed that the rescue for Senkumba commenced after Kayinja reported about his son’s kidnap in Nyendo by unknown men who were asking for a ransom of 3 million shillings for his release.

The operations, Kasirye said which involved the Flying Squad and CMI started in Kayabwe, Mpigi, Jandira, and the surrounding areas.

’’We were able to track down these culprits through the CCTV cameras and the phone number they gave Kayinja to send the ransom money to until we found him dumped at the bridge of River Katonga, but his kidnappers were nowhere in sight,’’ Kasirye said.

Kasirye said that despite Senkumba’s successful rescue, investigations are still underway to catch these culprits because they are currently on the run and need to face justice for their crimes.

Senkumba narrated his ordeal disclosing that the past events still left him in shock and fear because he was beaten every day during those four days he was in abduction while being pressured for the ransom money, yet he was weak to talk or stand.

’’I have been in an unknown place for four days, with a hazy mind, drugged up with no taste of food and water, and I regained consciousness at the bridge of River Katonga when police came to my rescue,’’ Senkumba said.

He thanked Masaka police and the other sister security agencies like CMI and Flying Squad that participated in his successful rescue.

This incident underscores the persistent threat of kidnappings in Uganda and highlights the need for community vigilance and effective law enforcement strategies; however, the successful rescue operation reflects positively on police efforts but also raises concerns about safety in the region.

On June 10, 2024, Asiimwe Julius went missing from home while his parents were watching TV. Three weeks later, on July 2, 2024, Juunju Andrew, aged 6, was allegedly kidnapped on his way home from St. Herman Kasana Primary School.

After extensive investigations, police apprehended 9 suspects on July 8, 2024, and recovered the remains of the two juveniles, which had been dumped in a pit with missing body parts. Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects were involved in ritual murder and ransom demands.

The successful operation by police and security agencies demonstrates a commitment to public safety, it also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of abductions in the region.