Uganda police force in collaboration with her sister security agencies have this morning rescued 18 women and 94 children from suspected kidnappers who were holding them hostage at Usafi market Mosque in Kisenyi, down town Kampala.
In a statement released this morning at Uganda Media Centre, police spokesperson Emilian Kayima explained that the development came after one of the suspects in the murder of Susan Magara sought refuge at the same mosque for fear of being arrested.
When police went to arrest the unnamed suspect, found several women and children of different nationalities who had been kidnapped and were being held without their consent.
Meanwhile, during the rescue operation, two of the captors were shot dead, as they tried to engage police in a shootout, while one security officer was also severely injured.
Police also arrested several suspects and recovered some weapons used in committing crimes, including; 60 rounds of 7.62MM ammunition, 1 bow and arrows, 23 double edged pangas and one laptop.
“The Uganda police is making arrangements to hand the rescued women and children. In the meantime, the Child and Family Protection Unit of the police will take care of them” Kayima said
Police is also still holding the 36 suspects that were arrested in the operation as they await to record statements for prosecution purposes.
The police further called upon the public to work hand in hand with police in order to arrest the most wanted kidnappers who are in communities. The force put out phone numbers that the public should use to report such criminals, these are; 0712667705 and 0714667743, alternatively, one can rush and report to their nearest police station.
In the meantime, police has closed the Usafi market until further notice
