South African Uber Driver Rescued by Police After Kidnapping in Kampala

Ugandan police have rescued a South African national who had been kidnapped from Munyonyo in Kampala, with the kidnappers demanding a ransom of about Shs20 million.

Amos Masoga Morubura, who had been driving for Uber in Kampala, was reportedly abducted by unknown assailants. According to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy public relations officer of Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP), the incident came to light through a video posted by the victim's brother on social media.

"On the 31st of July 2024, Mr. Amos Masoga Morubura, a 40-year-old South African national and Uber operator, was kidnapped in the Bandogo zone, Makindye Division, Kampala District. Mr. Morubura, who was visiting Uganda and residing in the Bandogo zone, was abducted around Munyonyo and subjected to torture by unknown suspects. This distressing incident was reported through a video circulating on social media," said the KMP spokesperson, adding that following the kidnapping, a team from the Flying Squad contacted the victim's brother in South Africa for more details on the alleged kidnappers.

"Mr. Morubura was subsequently traced to a house in Bandogo, where he was found tied up and showing signs of torture. He was then brought to Katwe Police Station, where his statement was taken," Owoyesigyire continued.

According to the police, Amos Masoga Morubura arrived in Uganda on May 28 and had been staying with friends. He reported that he confronted his Ugandan friend, Peter Mulondo, and his accomplice, Elijah, about unauthorised withdrawals from his bank account. This confrontation allegedly led the duo to kidnap him while he was heading to the airport on July 31 around the Munyonyo area.

"They tied and tortured him, demanding a ransom of 100,000 South African Rand from his brother in South Africa," said the police spokesman. The video posted by his brother on social media seeking help ultimately reached the authorities.

Amos Masoga Morubura was rescued on August 1. Luke Owoyesigyire stated that the suspects are currently on the run, but efforts are ongoing to locate and prosecute them.