news 26 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kampala Police Crack Down on Motorcycle Theft Ring, Recover 12 Bikes
An intelligence-led operation in Kampala has resulted in the recovery of 12 suspected stolen motorcycles and the arrest of five individuals. The operation targeted a ring believed to be stealing newer models, removing tracking devices, and selling them or their parts. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/police-recover-12-suspected-stolen-motorcycles-in-kampala-5572554
Kampala police have successfully recovered twelve motorcycles believed to be stolen and apprehended five suspects as part of a targeted operation against rising motorcycle theft in the metropolitan area. The crackdown, which took place in Ndeeba, Katwe Division, was initiated following a string of complaints from the public.
The operation was sparked by the theft of a motorcycle registered as UMA 330NR, which had been reported at Nabweru Police Station. Following diligent intelligence gathering, authorities tracked down two suspects in Busabala, identified as Mugisha Ivan (28) and Kabanda David (25), who were allegedly in possession of the stolen vehicle.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala, the arrested individuals are believed to be part of a larger syndicate that specifically targets relatively new motorcycles. The thieves allegedly steal these bikes, hide them, and then remove tracking devices. Preliminary investigations suggest that the stolen motorcycles were then transported to Ndeeba, where the devices were removed, and the bikes were resold for approximately Shs1.7 million each.
During further investigations, the suspects led police to various locations in Ndeeba, revealing a network allegedly involved in the disposal of stolen motorcycles over the past three months. This led to the impounding of the twelve motorcycles. Kawala added that some stolen bikes were reportedly dismantled for spare parts, while others were modified to appear older before being resold.
All five suspects are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing. Police have also connected some of the arrested individuals to other motorcycle theft cases reported at Old Kampala, Nateete, Jinja Road, and Nabweru police stations. Authorities are actively pursuing other individuals believed to be involved in the theft, concealment, dismantling, and sale of the stolen vehicles.
The Daily Monitor reported on this police operation.