Police in Kampala have arrested 13 suspects and recovered 44 motorcycles during an intelligence-led operation targeting motorcycle robbery and trafficking networks operating within the greater Kampala area.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) spokesperson, Rachael Kawala, the operation was conducted on Tuesday, June 17, 2026 at about 5:00 p.m. at Nakati Garage and Washing Bay in Nakati Zone, Nabbingo Ward, Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso District.
Kawala said the operation followed intelligence reports indicating that the garage was allegedly being used to dismantle suspected stolen motorcycles, reassemble them, alter their branding and fit forged number plates before returning them to circulation.
“Police officers responded swiftly and conducted a search at the premises,” Kawala said.
During the operation, police recovered 44 motorcycles alongside several spare parts and components believed to be linked to the suspected illegal activities.
The recovered items included eight motorcycles without engines, fuel tanks or seats, seven motorcycle skeletal frames, five metallic motorcycle parts, six motorcycle engines, ten exhaust pipes, four number plates and other assorted motorcycle components.
Police also released registration numbers for some of the recovered motorcycles including UDM 696K, UMA 475JN, UDZ 213V, UMA 187JW, UFZ 077U, UFQ 548Q, UGH 315T, UFH 337U, UER 698X, UMA 516KK and several others.
The 13 suspects arrested during the operation remain in police custody as investigations continue.
Kawala said efforts are ongoing to identify and trace the rightful owners of the recovered motorcycles, while police have also launched a manhunt for the owner of the garage.
She urged members of the public who may have lost motorcycles matching the listed registration numbers to report to the nearest police station or Kampala Metropolitan South Police for verification and assistance.
The operation forms part of ongoing police efforts to crack down on organised motorcycle theft and dismantle criminal networks operating in the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
