Police in Kampala have arrested a suspected serial kidnapper, identified as Odongo Isaac, in connection with a string of child abduction cases reported across the city.
The arrest followed an intelligence-led operation conducted by Flying Squad units on 2 May 2026. The operation targeted multiple kidnapping incidents involving three young boys, recorded under CRB 468/2026 and CRB 485/2026 at Old Kampala Police Station, as well as CRB 200/2006 at Wandegeya Police Station.
The victims Kasirye Ethan (5), Kalenzi Joram Yosam (6), and Kibira Ramathan (5) were abducted from different locations, including Kasubi Zone 1 and Nankulabye Zone 7 in Makerere Division, as well as areas within Kawempe Division.
According to police, the suspect was tracked using advanced surveillance technology and arrested on 4 May 2026 at about 6:00 p.m. in Nankulabye Zone 7.
During interrogation, Odongo reportedly confessed to carrying out the abductions on separate occasions between 28 April and 2 May 2026, with the intention of extorting ransom from the victims’ families.
Police say the suspect admitted to kidnapping Kalenzi Joram from Kasubi on 28 April before abandoning him in Njeru, near Jinja Bridge, after failing to secure payment. On 30 April, he allegedly abducted Kasirye Ethan from Nankulabye and transported him to Lira.
Investigators further revealed that on 2 May, the suspect kidnapped Kibira Ramathan from Makerere and held him while demanding ransom. The child was later released on 3 May at around 11:00 p.m. in Kalerwe after the suspect reportedly received UGX 40,000 from the victim’s mother.
Two of the victims Kalenzi Joram and Kibira Ramathan have since been rescued from Njeru and Kalerwe, respectively.
Meanwhile, Kasirye Ethan was reportedly abandoned in Lira. Authorities in Lira City West have confirmed the development, and arrangements are underway to reunite the child with his family.
Police say investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to establish whether the suspect may be linked to other similar crimes.
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