crime 30 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Criminal Motorcycle Gangs Wreak Havoc in Kampala, Over Shs1 Billion Stolen
Urban areas in Kampala are experiencing a surge in daytime muggings and hijackings by motorcycle-riding gangs. In just three months, four major cases involving the theft of over Shs1 billion have been linked to these criminal networks. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/the-criminal-underbelly-of-city-motorcycle-gangs-5513598
Kampala is grappling with a concerning increase in violent crimes perpetrated by motorcycle-riding gangs. These criminal groups are targeting pedestrians and other boda-boda riders in broad daylight, using motorcycles for swift getaways after snatching cash and valuables. Victims often report encounters in isolated areas, with assailants sometimes armed with machetes.
Recent incidents highlight the audacity of these gangs. One case involved a shop attendant losing Shs1 million and her phone in Kamwokya, while another boda-boda rider was assaulted and had his motorcycle stolen in Makindye. These are not isolated events; reports of similar “snatch-and-grab” incidents have become alarmingly frequent across the city.
Police detectives have revealed that these robberies are orchestrated by a network of organized gangs. The stolen motorcycles are reportedly sold to individuals who either resell them domestically or internationally, or dismantle them for spare parts. This illicit trade fuels the criminal operations, with some stolen bikes ending up in “fridges” of spare parts.
Between April and June, four major robberies alone, attributed to these gangs, resulted in the loss of over Shs1 billion. Notable incidents include a Shs320 million heist on Wampewo Avenue, a Shs620 million robbery at a forex bureau on Nkrumah Road, and thefts totaling Shs112 million from Nsambya and Ggwanga Malls.
In response, Kampala Metropolitan Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have launched operations to dismantle these criminal networks. These efforts have led to the recovery of stolen motorcycles and the arrest of numerous suspects involved in theft, drug abuse, and robbery. Police are urging victims to report incidents and come forward with proof of ownership to reclaim their property, emphasizing a commitment to sustained crackdowns on motorcycle-related crime.
Source: https://www.monitor.ug/uganda/news/national/the-criminal-underbelly-of-city-motorcycle-gangs-5513598