Police have arrested a suspected serial kidnapper linked to a string of child abductions in Kampala, in a breakthrough operation that has led to the recovery of two young victims and efforts underway to reunite a third with his family.
The suspect, identified as Odongo Isaac, was apprehended on 4 May 2026 in Nankulabye Zone 7 following an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Flying Squad. The operation targeted multiple kidnapping cases involving three juvenile boys reported under separate police files in Old Kampala and Wandegeya.
According to police, the victims, Kasirye Ethan (5), Kalenzi Joram Yosam (6), and Kibira Ramathan (5), were abducted from areas including Kasubi Zone 1, Nankulabye Zone 7 in Makerere Division, and parts of Kawempe Division between 28 April and 2 May 2026.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly kidnapped the children on separate occasions and demanded ransom from their families. Police say that during interrogation, Odongo admitted to the crimes and provided details about the incidents.
Kalenzi Joram was reportedly abducted from Kasubi on 28 April and later abandoned in Njeru near Jinja after no ransom was paid. On 30 April, the suspect allegedly kidnapped Kasirye Ethan from Nankulabye and transported him to Lira. He then returned to Kampala, where he abducted Kibira Ramathan on 2 May and held him while demanding ransom.
Police say the suspect later released Kibira on 3 May after receiving UGX 40,000 from the child’s mother, abandoning him in Kalerwe at around 11:00 pm.
Authorities have since successfully recovered Kalenzi Joram and Kibira Ramathan from Njeru and Kalerwe, respectively. Meanwhile, Kasirye Ethan was found in Lira, with Lira City West Police confirming his safety. Arrangements are currently underway to reunite him with his family.
Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke confirmed the arrest and said investigations into the matter are ongoing. He commended the Flying Squad for the swift and coordinated response that led to the suspect’s capture and the rescue of the victims.
