Police in Nateete arrested two suspects and successfully rescued a 7-year-old girl, who had been reported kidnapped on January 26, 2025. Investigations revealed that the victim’s mother and elder sister orchestrated the kidnapping to extort Shs5 million from the girl’s father.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango explained that the father reported the incident after receiving ransom demands. A team of intelligence officers and detectives launched a swift operation to locate the child and ensure her safety.
The team traced the suspect’s location to Kasenge Nakawuka, close to the victim’s home. During a phone call intercepted by the authorities, the suspect allowed the girl to speak with her father. The distressed child cried for help, claiming her captors had threatened to kill her.
Further investigations uncovered that Teo Nagadya, the child’s mother, and Winnie Namukwaya, her 20-year-old sister, staged the crime. To make the plot convincing, they used artificial intelligence (AI) technology to manipulate their voices and make it seem as though a male kidnapper was making the ransom demands.
Police rescued the girl unharmed near her mother’s workplace and recovered a Tecno phone containing the SIM card used for the ransom calls. Authorities arrested Nagadya and Namukwaya, who now face charges for their involvement. Investigators are also tracking down the individual who sold the registered SIM card used in the crime.
“This operation was successful with no casualties,” Onyango stated. “The suspects will face justice, and further investigations are ongoing.”
Legal Implications and Public Warnings
This case highlights the alarming misuse of advanced technologies such as AI to facilitate criminal activities. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior promptly.
Under the Penal Code Act, Cap 120, kidnapping offenses carry severe penalties:
- Kidnapping or Detaining for Ransom (Section 243A): Conviction for this charge leads to the death penalty, regardless of whether the victim is harmed.
- General Kidnapping: Cases without aggravating circumstances can result in up to 10 years of imprisonment.
Given the ransom demands in this case, the suspects are likely to face charges under Section 243A. However, the final judgment will depend on the court’s evaluation of evidence and circumstances.
Misuse of AI and Technology
The case also raises concerns about the misuse of AI for criminal purposes. By employing voice-altering technology, the suspects attempted to deceive law enforcement and the victim’s family.
President Ruto dismissed conspiracy theories surrounding AI technologies, calling them “misguided.” He emphasized the need for public education to prevent the misuse of emerging tools.
