The state of security in the country continues to top discussions in media as rampant kidnaps of females by anonymous assailants create tension among natives.
A Makerere University second year student, (names withheld) survived by a whisker to fall victim of this evil vice that continues to take lives of non expectant Ugandans. The student narrated the ordeal to our reporter saying she has motor cycle riders to thank for her life.
” I was passing through the Old taxi park going back home from a busy day. A taxi which I had not noticed came following me with two guys moving besides it and its door wide open. I hardly noticed anything but thanks to the boda boda ( motor cycle) riders who realized I was being followed and they made an alarm. They stoned the car and one of the guys was clobbered although the taxi took off with the other guy who was following me. I am still in shock!” – Stella, ( not real name) told Campus bee shortly after the incident.
According to the Kampala Metropolitan Police commandant, Moses Kafeero, 42 kidnap cases have been reported so far with their kidnappers demanding ransom from the parents.
Taxis and taxi parks are however some of the most used options by kidnappers according to several reports and this may be due to their under regulation, untidiness among other reasons that are best known to them.
How you can protect yourself?
– Avoid moving at night as much as possible and where it is unavoidable, use a taxi which you find at a designated stage. Make sure that you’re not the only passenger using the taxi.
– If possible, move with a friend as kidnappers take advantage of girls moving alone.
– Communicate your movements. Let a friend or family member know about where you’re heading to and what time they can expect you to be back. This helps to guide law enforcers in case of a kidnap.
– Avoid talking to strangers. Don’t be lured into talking to people you meet on the way in such dark times.
