Police in Kampala have arrested a 34-year-old woman, Nanteza Aisha, over allegations of staging her own kidnapping and demanding Shs50 million from her family.
The case was reported on December 15, 2025, after Nanteza’s mother, Nakanwagi Rose, a resident of Kasana, Luwero District, reported her daughter missing. At the time, Nanteza was said to be travelling from Wakiso to Luwero.
According to police, on December 12, 2025, at around 4:00pm, Nanteza who lives in Katooke, Nabweru, Wakiso District told her mother she was heading home later that evening.
She, however, never arrived.
Family concerns deepened the following day when Nanteza’s sister received a WhatsApp video showing her seemingly restrained in a bush, with her hands, legs and mouth tied. A voice in the background demanded Shs50 million for her release, causing panic and prompting police to begin investigations.
After intelligence-led operations and a coordinated search, a police team traced and arrested Nanteza in Kigombe, Luwero District. Investigations later revealed that the kidnapping had been self-staged.
“She is currently in custody and will be produced in court to answer the relevant charges,” said SP Kawala Racheal, the Wamala Regional Police spokesperson.
Police have strongly condemned the act, saying it caused unnecessary fear and diverted security resources from genuine emergencies.
Authorities have warned the public against filing false criminal reports, stressing that such offences attract serious punishment under the law.
