Congo militia kidnaps man in Western Uganda

Kanungu. Police in Kanungu District are investigating a case in which Mr Isaya Mbeeta, a resident of Munyaga Cell, Western Ward in Butogota Town is said to have been kidnapped by a militia.
The militia are said to be demanding a ransom of Shs2 million, according to police.

The spokesman for police in Kigezi area, Mr Elly Maate, said Mr Mbeeta was kidnapped on Monday.
“The relatives told us that he was kidnapped around 10am as he was weeding his garden at the Uganda –DR Congo border,” Mr Maate said yesterday.

He added that the case has been recorded at Kanungu Police Station and investigations into the matter are under way.
Congolese militia in August last year shot and injured three traders in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
They kidnapped the fourth trader and demanded for a ransom of $20,000 (about Shs74m).
He was released after relatives paid $7,500 (about Shs27m) to the kidnappers.

Meanwhile, the police are also investigating a case in which the LCI chairperson of Ruhiija Village in Muramba Parish, Rutenga Sub-county, Kanungu District was killed on Sunday.
Mr Maate said Moses Mwesigwa, alias Kigongo, was allegedly hit with a hoe.
Mr Maate said trouble started when the suspect assaulted his wife and Mwesigwa, together with other residents, rushed to her rescue.
As they prepared to take the groaning woman to hospital, the suspect allegedly emerged from his hiding place with a hoe and hit Mwesigwa on the head, causing instant death.

The suspect immediately fled the scene but was pursued by the residents until he was arrested. He was rescued from angry residents who wanted to lynch him.
Police said the suspect was admitted to Katate Health Centre 1V.
“After the suspect has healed, he will be charged with murder in courts of law,” Mr Maate said.

[email protected]