In a daring rescue operation, Uganda’s security agencies successfully freed an Egyptian diplomat who had been abducted on Friday in Kampala.
The diplomat, Mohammad Ali, an official at the Egyptian Embassy in Uganda’s capital, was kidnapped by unknown assailants.
The incident sparked an intensive hunt led by Uganda’s Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) and the Crime Intelligence (CI) division of the Uganda Police Force, culminating in the diplomat’s safe release on Wednesday afternoon.
According to a high-ranking security source, the operation began when the Egyptian Embassy alerted Ugandan authorities about the kidnapping. The diplomat, believed to have been lured to Entebbe by a Rwandan woman who may have orchestrated the scheme, was taken by unidentified individuals.
Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers initiated ransom demands, contacting the Egyptian Embassy and its Ambassador directly, threatening to harm the diplomat if their demands were not met.
Once alerted, the Embassy sought immediate assistance from Uganda’s security agencies. CMI and CI quickly mobilized, with special teams from both divisions launching a coordinated search for the kidnappers, who initially based themselves near Entebbe.
As pressure mounted, the kidnappers began moving between locations, presumably in an attempt to evade capture. They were last tracked to Njeru, a town in Jinja, where they continued to negotiate ransom payments while shifting to different bases.
The kidnappers’ fluid movements posed a significant challenge for the intelligence teams, who remained persistent in their efforts.
The final breakthrough came when CMI and CI commandos tracked the kidnappers to a hideout in Luwero District.
By Wednesday, the intelligence forces closed in on the suspects, cornering them in their last refuge. A confrontation ensued as one of the kidnappers attempted to attack the security forces and was put out of action in the resulting exchange.
Two suspects, including the Rwandan woman alleged to have been central to the abduction plot, were arrested and taken into custody for further investigation.
The victim, Mohammad Ali, was rescued safely and immediately taken under protective custody before reuniting with his family and colleagues.
Both the Egyptian Embassy and Ugandan authorities have expressed relief at the outcome, praising the swift, coordinated actions of CMI and CI in preventing further harm. The Embassy thanked Uganda’s security forces for their quick response and successful mission, which underscored the close cooperation between the two nations on security matters.
This incident highlights Uganda’s ongoing efforts to secure foreign nationals and its capacity to manage high-stakes rescue operations.
Ugandan commandos have previously demonstrated similar proficiency in dealing with kidnappings. Notably, a few years ago, security forces successfully rescued a kidnapped American tourist, Kimberley Sue Endecott, 35, and her Ugandan driver, Jean Paul by gunmen in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The current rescue operation reinforces Uganda’s dedication to ensuring the safety of diplomats, tourists, and all foreign nationals within its borders.
This successful operation not only highlights the effectiveness of Uganda’s security apparatus. Police and Military Intelligence are yet to issue a statement on the matter.