KAMPALA — Police in Kampala have arrested five suspects and impounded 12 suspected stolen motorcycles in an intelligence-led operation targeting a network allegedly involved in motorcycle theft and disposal.
The operation was conducted on August 25, 2026, at about 5pm in the Ndeeba area under Katwe Division, Kampala District, following public concern over increasing motorcycle theft.
Police said the operation was triggered by the theft of motorcycle registration number UMA 330NR, which had been reported at Nabweru Police Station.
Investigations and intelligence gathering traced the motorcycle to Busabala in Katwe Division, where two men were arrested.
The suspects were identified as Mugisha Ivan, 28, and Kabanda David, 25.
Police allege that the two were involved in stealing the motorcycle and had hidden it pending removal of its tracking device.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects targeted relatively new motorcycles, which were allegedly transported to Ndeeba after being stolen.
Police said tracking devices were removed from the motorcycles before they were allegedly sold for about Shs1.7 million each.
The suspects subsequently led investigators to Ndeeba, where they allegedly identified people and locations involved in the disposal of stolen motorcycles over the past three months.
As a result, 12 suspected stolen motorcycles were impounded pending further investigations, while additional suspects were arrested.
Police said preliminary findings indicate that some stolen motorcycles are dismantled and sold as spare parts, while others are allegedly modified to make them appear old before being resold.
A total of five suspects are currently in police custody in connection with the investigation.
Police also said some of the suspects have been linked to other cases reported at Old Kampala, Nateete, Jinja Road and Nabweru police stations.
Investigations are continuing, with police pursuing additional suspects allegedly involved in the theft, concealment, dismantling and disposal of stolen motorcycles.
Police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report information that could help investigators dismantle networks involved in motorcycle theft and the resale of stolen property.