A Ugandan pastor accused of kidnapping and robbing an Indian national in Kampala nearly two decades ago has been arrested after 17 years in hiding.
Mark Aduba Moro, 44, was brought before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where he was charged with aggravated robbery and kidnapping for ransom.
The court heard that Moro, a resident of Mutungo Zone III in Kampala’s Nakawa Division, had been wanted in connection with a violent abduction that took place on 23 September 2008 in Kololo, an upscale suburb of the city.
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Chief State Attorney Ivan Kyazze told the court that Moro, along with two co-accused—Pte Ambrose Ochieng and Lt Jacob Odong Okeny, who remain at large—allegedly kidnapped and robbed Mr Vekariya Dhanji, an Indian construction foreman working in Kibuli.
Mr Dhanji was reportedly lured by a woman known to him only as “Claire,” whom he had given a lift days earlier. On the day of the incident, Claire is said to have visited his workplace before three armed men arrived, accusing him of being involved with the daughter of a senior government official.
“They grabbed me and forced me into a vehicle with the girl. One of them pointed a pistol at me and took everything I had,” Mr Dhanji said in his statement. He reported losing UGX 400,000, his driving permit, a mosque ID, and his watch.
The suspects allegedly drove Mr Dhanji to several locations, including Kitintale and Mbuya Military Barracks, before forcing him to call his employer, demanding UGX 7 million for his release. They also took his ATM card and attempted to withdraw funds, but were unsuccessful after the machine retained the card.
Security operatives from the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) intercepted the group following a tip-off from the victim’s employer. The suspects were arrested and appeared in court on 8 October 2008, but Moro reportedly escaped custody shortly after.
Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi did not allow Moro to enter a plea, explaining that the charges are capital offences that can only be tried by the High Court. Moro was remanded to Luzira Prison until 15 August 2025, when the case will be mentioned again ahead of formal committal for trial.
The prosecution confirmed that investigations are complete and the case file is ready.
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