Police arrest suspected serial child kidnapper in Kampala, two victims rescued
During interrogation, Odongo reportedly confessed to abducting the three children on separate occasions between April 28 and May 2, demanding ransom from their families.
Police in Kampala have arrested a suspected serial child kidnapper linked to a string of abductions targeting young boys in different parts of the city.
According to a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer Kituuma Rusoke, the suspect, identified as Odongo Isaac, was apprehended following an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Flying Squad Unit.
The operation, carried out on May 2, 2026, was launched in response to multiple kidnapping cases registered at Old Kampala and Wandegeya police stations.
The cases involved three juvenile victims, Kasirye Ethan (5), Kalenzi Joram Yosam (6), and Kibira Ramathan (5), who were abducted from areas including Kasubi Zone 1 and Nankulabye Zone 7 in Makerere Division, as well as parts of Kawempe Division.
Police said the suspect was tracked using advanced policing technology and arrested on May 4 at around 6:00pm in Nankulabye Zone 7.
During interrogation, Odongo reportedly confessed to abducting the three children on separate occasions between April 28 and May 2, demanding ransom from their families.
Investigators revealed that he abducted Kalenzi Joram from Kasubi before abandoning him in Njeru near Jinja Bridge after failing to secure payment. He later kidnapped Kasirye Ethan from Nankulabye and transported him to Lira.
Police further stated that the suspect returned to Kampala and abducted Kibira Ramathan from Makerere on May 2, detaining him while demanding ransom.
After reportedly receiving Shs40,000 from the child’s mother, he released the victim and abandoned him in Kalerwe later that night.
Two of the victims, Kalenzi Joram and Kibira Ramathan, have since been rescued from Njeru and Kalerwe, respectively.
Meanwhile, Kasirye Ethan was found abandoned in Lira, with authorities coordinating his safe return to Kampala.
Police say investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to establish whether the suspect may be linked to other similar crimes.
Authorities have also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as security agencies intensify operations against child-related crimes in the city.
