On Aug. 5, a Ugandan court presided over by High Court Judge Alex Mackay Ajiji sentenced two Muslims, Hajarah Nakandi and Abas Musa, to death for the killing of an innocent Christian woman, Susan Magara.

The other seven convicts, Yusuf Lubega, Mahad Kisalita, Ismail Bukenya, Abubaker Kyewokya, Hassan Wasswa, Hussein Kato Miiro, and Muzamir Ssali, were sentenced to life imprisonment for their involvement in the crime.

“The kidnapping of Susan Magara was connected to a broader criminal network whose activities included ransom collection allegedly intended to support ADF 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.”

On Feb. 7, 2018, Magara’s life was violently taken after she was abducted while driving home along Kabaka Anjagala Road in Mengo, Kampala. Magara, who worked as an accountant and cashier at her family’s Bwendero Dairy Farm, was attacked by the kidnappers, who later demanded a ransom from her family, allegedly to support ADF activities in the DRC.

“The Muslim kidnappers initially demanded $1 million, but after negotiations, the amount was reduced to approximately $200,000,” Magara’s sister said. “However, the crime went beyond financial extortion; it became a horrifying act of cruelty against my innocent Christian sister and her family.”

The Pursuit of Justice

Even after her family paid the ransom, the kidnappers chose to kill Magara. A breakthrough in the case came from detailed investigations involving telephone tracking, digital evidence, DNA analysis, and tracing assets purchased with the ransom money. Security agencies identified and arrested nine people connected to the crime.

The evidence presented before the High Court revealed the different roles played by members of the criminal network, 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.

Magara was a devoted Christian, a professional, and a young woman whose future was stolen through a brutal act of violence. Her suffering represents the pain experienced by many families whose loved ones become victims of people who have no regard for the sacredness of human life.

The Bishop of Mityana Anglican Diocese, Dr. James Bukomeko, strongly condemned the persecution of Christians and called for peace and harmony in the country. Meanwhile, the former Bishop of South Rwenzori Diocese, Rt. Rev. Bishop Thembo Nzerebende, said the Ugandan government had played an important role in seeking justice for Christians, describing 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,” Nzerebende 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.”

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