A Ugandan court has sentenced two Muslims to death for the killing of an innocent Christian woman.
A release from the rights-advocacy group, International Christian Concern (ICC), says the ruling in the case of Susan Magara was passed on August 5, 2026, with presiding High Court Judge Alex Mackay Ajiji Susan Magara announcing the execution of Hajarah Nakandi and Abas Musa.
Additionally, seven convicts were sentenced to life imprisonment for their involvement in the crime. They are Yusuf Lubega, Mahad Kisalita, Ismail Bukenya, Abubaker Kyewokya, Hassan Wasswa, Hussein Kato Miiro, and Muzamir Ssali.
According to the ICC, Magara died after being abducted while driving home along Kabaka Anjagala Road in Mengo, Kampala. Her attackers later demanded a ransom from her family, allegedly to support activities in the DRC. Magara’s sister recounted the ordeal, stating that the Muslim kidnappers initially demanded $1 million, but agreed to accept approximately $200,000
“However, the crime went beyond financial extortion; it became a horrifying act of cruelty against my innocent Christian sister and her family.” she said.
After her family paid the ransom, the kidnappers still decided to kill Magara.
Her body was recovered on February 27, 2018, in Kitiko-Birongo village along the Entebbe Expressway. A postmortem examination found that she died from manual strangulation leading to asphyxia.
Detailed investigations involving telephone tracking, digital evidence, DNA analysis, and tracing of assets purchased with the ransom money, provided enough information for security agencies to identify and arrest nine people connected to the murder.
The evidence presented before the High Court disclosed the roles played by each person. They ranged from providing the location where Magara was held captive to participating directly in her torture and killing. The court delivered its verdict after reviewing years of evidence.
“The kidnapping of Susan Magara was connected to a broader criminal network whose activities included ransom collection allegedly intended to support operations in DR Congo,” the judge said. “The case therefore highlighted the wider threat posed by armed groups that use violence, intimidation, and fear to advance their Islamic objectives.”
Members of the clergy have also openly condemned the persecution of Christians. Among them is The Bishop of Mityana Anglican Diocese, Dr. James Bukomeko who has called for peace and harmony in the country, and the former Bishop of South Rwenzori Diocese, Rt. Rev. Bishop Thembo Nzerebende said that the Ugandan government had played an important role in seeking justice for Christians. He also described the case as a significant development in Uganda’s courts.
“We are not against Islam, but against laws that intend to make Christians animals, to be persecuted and killed like animals,” he said. “Muslims should stop that habit, and they should accept Jesus Christ. We are also happy with Judge Alex Mackay Ajiji of the High Court for being neutral in this matter. His decisions are godly, and he should be blessed.”
