By KT Reporter
Residents of Kaabong District are living in fear following a surge in abductions for ransom, with kidnappers reportedly demanding UGX 500,000 for each victim in exchange for their safe release. In the past two weeks, two separate incidents have been reported, mainly targeting businesspeople, motorists, and passengers in the sub-counties of Kalapata and Kamion.
The victims are reportedly abducted and taken into the bushes, where they are tortured as the kidnappers use their phones to demand ransom from local leaders or relatives. Jino Lokech, the LC3 Chairperson of Kalapata Sub-county, described the situation as alarming, saying armed warriors have continued to rob and ambush business communities.
Lokech observed that idle youths have teamed up with reformed warriors to terrorize residents. He said shops in trading centres are broken into nightly, while travelers are ambushed and robbed. Lokech added that victims are often beaten before their families are contacted for ransom.
Lokech further noted that insecurity has persisted due to political interference, claiming that some suspects are released without prosecution after allegedly paying off security officers.
Christopher Lolem, the LC3 Chairperson of Lobongia Sub-county, said abductions have become a profitable criminal venture, with perpetrators abducting people purely for financial gain. Lolem explained that despite efforts to identify the kidnappers, it has been difficult because the culprits are well-organized and operate within communities.
He dismissed claims that the warriors are responsible, saying the abductions are being carried out by educated but idle urban youths, unlike warriors who usually steal livestock. Lolem added that the trend of abductions appears to be copied from urban areas, especially Kampala, where such crimes have been reported. He warned that the situation could worsen as political activities intensify, noting that some individuals might exploit the insecurity to frustrate their rivals.
Moses Longolemoe, the Chairperson of the Kaabong Kraal Leaders Association, attributed the rising abductions to high school dropout rates in the district. He said many unemployed youths are turning to crime for survival due to poverty and hunger in their homes.
Stephen Latek Odong, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kaabong, confirmed the incidents but said the situation has since been contained. Odong revealed that the first abduction occurred in Kamion Sub-county, where a ransom of UGX 500,000 was paid for the victim’s release.
Shortly after, another incident followed, and the kidnappers began contacting Ik County MP Hillary Lokwang, demanding more ransom. He said the MP was advised not to respond to the calls, as paying would only encourage more abductions. Odong noted that investigations show the incidents were orchestrated by a group of local youths seeking money rather than genuine kidnappers. He urged local leaders and security personnel to avoid paying ransoms and instead focus on identifying and arresting the culprits.
Odong added that since the decision to stop responding to ransom demands, no new abduction cases have been reported, and the security situation is stabilizing.
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