Kampala, Uganda — Police have arrested a suspected serial kidnapper believed to be behind a string of child abductions across the city, bringing relief to affected families and communities.
The suspect, identified as Odongo Isaac, was apprehended following an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Uganda Police Force Flying Squad. The operation targeted multiple cases registered under CRB 468/2026 and CRB 485/2026 at Old Kampala, as well as CRB 200/2006 in Wandegeya.
According to police, the suspect is linked to the abduction of three juvenile boys: Kasirye Ethan (5), Kalenzi Joram Yosam (6), and Kibira Ramathan (5). The children were reportedly kidnapped from Kasubi Zone 1 and Nankulabye Zone 7 in Makerere Division, as well as areas in Kawempe Division.
Police say the suspect was tracked using advanced policing technology and arrested on May 4, 2026, at around 6:00 pm in Nankulabye Zone 7.
During interrogation, Odongo allegedly confessed to abducting the minors on separate occasions between April 28 and May 2, 2026, and demanding ransom from their parents.
Investigations indicate that Kalenzi Joram was abducted from Kasubi on April 28 and later abandoned in Njeru near Jinja Bridge after no ransom was paid. On April 30, the suspect allegedly kidnapped Kasirye Ethan from Nankulabye and transported him to Lira.
Police further revealed that on May 2, the suspect abducted Kibira Ramathan from Makerere and held him while demanding ransom. The child was later released on May 3 after the suspect reportedly received UGX 40,000 from the victim’s mother, and was abandoned in Kalerwe at around 11:00 pm.
Authorities confirmed that two of the victims — Kalenzi Joram and Kibira Ramathan — have since been safely recovered from Njeru and Kalerwe respectively. Meanwhile, Kasirye Ethan was found in Lira, with Uganda Police Force in Lira City West coordinating his safe return to Kampala.
Police say investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to establish whether the suspect acted alone or was part of a larger criminal network.
The arrest comes amid growing concern over child safety in urban areas, with law enforcement urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity promptly.
