Security agencies have arrested three suspects in connection with the dramatic kidnapping of two children from their home in Bujowali Zone, Njeru Municipality, Buikwe District, in a case that has exposed an alleged ransom-driven criminal network operating in the area.
The arrests were made on Thursday, September 17, 2026, following a joint intelligence-led operation by the Uganda Police Force and sister security agencies.
Police identified the suspects as Odongo Richard, Derick Nkuruziza and Kasaija Dan, with Kasaija alleged to have been the overall commander of the criminal group and the person responsible for receiving and withdrawing ransom money in Kampala.
A firearm suspected to have been used in criminal activities was also recovered during the operation.
The breakthrough came just 10 days after the children were allegedly snatched from their family home on September 7.
ARMED MEN STORM HOME
According to police, the attack occurred at about 7:00pm on September 7, when two armed and masked men allegedly raided the home of Mr Mugabanya in Bujowali Zone.
The children’s father was reportedly away from home at the time, leaving the children watching television under the care of domestic workers.
The attackers allegedly injured the domestic workers after they raised an alarm before forcing them into a bedroom and fleeing with two of the children.
The kidnappers subsequently demanded Shs100 million in ransom, turning the case into a major security operation.
Police opened a kidnapping case and launched investigations aimed at identifying the perpetrators, tracking their movements and locating the children.
CHILDREN RECOVERED ALIVE
After days of investigations and tracking, security operatives recovered the two children on Thursday from Malindi Village in Wakisi Sub-county, Buikwe District.
Police said the children are safe.
The recovery came alongside the arrest of Odongo and Nkuruziza, with investigators subsequently linking Kasaija to the alleged operation.
Police describe Kasaija as the alleged overall commander of the group, accusing him of handling ransom proceeds in Kampala.
SUSPECTS LINKED TO OTHER KIDNAPPINGS
The investigation is now widening beyond the September 7 incident.
Police said the suspects are being investigated over their alleged involvement in previous kidnapping cases, including the abduction of a female school director in Njeru Municipality in May 2026.
The latest arrests could therefore provide investigators with an opportunity to establish whether a broader organised kidnapping network has been operating around Njeru and other parts of Buikwe.
Police have not yet disclosed the identity of the school director or provided details of the May incident as investigations continue.
MORE ARRESTS EXPECTED
Security agencies said the operation is far from over, with investigators working to identify and arrest any other people allegedly involved in the kidnapping network.
The three suspects remain in custody pending further inquiries and will be processed in accordance with the law.
The development represents a significant breakthrough in a case that began with an armed raid on a family home and a Shs100 million ransom demand.
Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke confirmed the arrests and recovery of the children, stressing that investigations remain ongoing.
The latest operation also places renewed attention on kidnapping cases in the Njeru-Buikwe area, particularly allegations that some suspects may have been involved in multiple abductions.
Police have urged members of the public with information about the suspects or other individuals linked to the alleged criminal network to cooperate with investigators.
