Augustine Ssekajugo, a student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in dental surgery at Makerere University (MUK), has been arrested by police in Iganga for orchestrating his own kidnap following a reckless gambling spree that depleted his tuition money.
Concerns were raised by Ssekajugo’s family members two weeks ago when he disappeared from his rented room in Kikoni.
According to reports, he was last seen on May 2, 2023, around 1 pm, leaving behind his mobile phones.
A missing person case was filed at Wandegeya Police Station in Kampala, initiating an investigation into the matter.
The police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, revealed that Ssekajugo was located and arrested from a hideout in Butama village, Iganga district. This came after 17 days of searching.
“It has been established that he staged the kidnapping after squandering his tuition fees on sports betting and other unnecessary expenses, and then decided to vanish,” stated Enanga.
Enanga strongly condemned such actions, emphasizing the panic and fear they cause among immediate family and friends.
He urged parents to closely monitor their children and, if possible, make direct payments for school fees on their behalf. Additionally, he cautioned students against engaging in sports betting.