Pastor Remanded After 17-Year Manhunt Over Kidnap of an Indian national, bringing closure to a nearly two-decade search. Authorities finally arrested 44-year-old Mark Aduba Moro after years of evasion.
He appeared before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kampala, where prosecutors charged him with aggravated robbery and kidnapping for ransom. The case dates back to 2008. Moro allegedly committed the crimes with Pte Ambrose Ochieng and Lt Jacob Odong Okeny, who remain missing.
Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi declined to accept a plea from Moro. He explained that the charges require trial by the High Court due to their capital nature.
State attorney Ivan Kyazze explained that the incident took place in Kololo. At the time, the victim, Vekariya Dhanji, worked as a foreman at India Construction Company in Kibuli.
Investigations revealed that a woman known only as “Claire” helped set the trap. Dhanji had once offered her a lift and maintained casual contact.
She showed up at his construction site at around 5:30 p.m. Not long after, three men arrived and accused Dhanji of dating the daughter of Gen. Salim Saleh.
The attackers forced Dhanji and Claire into a car. One suspect held a US Army pistol and threatened him during the ride. They robbed him of Shs400,000, an ATM card, his driving permit, and personal identification.
The gang drove him to Kitintale and later to Mbuya Military Barracks. There, they made him call his employer, Suresh, and demanded Shs7 million.
They also attempted to withdraw cash using his ATM card at Bank of Baroda. Fortunately, the machine kept the card, foiling their plan.
When the gang tried to take Dhanji to Jinja Road Police Station, their vehicle broke down. They called for another one. Meanwhile, Suresh alerted the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).
CMI operatives tracked the group using the phone call and intercepted them before they could escape. Security officers arrested the suspects on the spot.
Authorities arraigned them in court on October 8, 2008. However, Moro escaped from custody shortly afterward and vanished without a trace.
For the next 17 years, he avoided arrest. But earlier this week, law enforcement caught up with him and brought him back to court.
Magistrate Kayizzi ordered Moro to be remanded to Luzira Prison until August 15, 2025. On that date, the court will mention the case and possibly commit it to the High Court.
State attorney Kyazze confirmed that investigators completed the case file. He emphasized that the prosecution is ready for trial.
This long-running case has drawn public attention due to its duration and the use of military tactics in the abduction. It also highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-based operations in Uganda.
Moreover, it sends a strong message to fugitives. They may run, but the law eventually catches up.
As Moro awaits trial, many Ugandans hope for justice—not only for the victim but also for the integrity of the justice system.
