Police in Kampala have arrested 14 suspects believed to be part of a criminal gang targeting boda boda riders, following an intelligence-led operation at Muganzirwaza Building in Katwe.
The operation was conducted on March 11, 2026, by officers from Kampala Metropolitan Police South, who raided several shops in the building suspected of being used to dismantle and sell stolen motorcycles.
According to Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, the suspects are believed to be involved in a series of aggravated robberies targeting boda boda riders.
“Kampala Metropolitan Police South conducted an operation targeting suspected criminals linked to aggravated robberies, particularly those targeting boda boda riders,” Owoyesigyire said.
He explained that the suspects would pose as customers and hire boda boda riders from distant areas, only to attack and rob them.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects are part of a group responsible for motorcycle robberies that have been occurring since 2025. The group reportedly lures boda boda riders while posing as customers and later robs them using pangas before dismantling the motorcycles and selling the parts,” he said.
During the operation, police recovered several exhibits believed to be linked to the robberies.
These include six Bajaj Boxer motorcycles bearing registration numbers UDJ 081A, UEO 147V, UFH 038X, UDX 342P, UEJ 419G and UDU 722G.
Other items recovered include sacks containing dismantled motorcycle spare parts, a blue polythene bag filled with assorted spare parts, two motorcycle frames, two sacks of metal parts, and several motorcycle number plate frames.
Owoyesigyire said investigations are still ongoing and security teams are continuing to hunt for more suspects believed to be on the run.
“The operation remains ongoing as security teams continue to pursue other suspects believed to be still at large,” he added.
Police have urged boda boda riders to remain vigilant and report suspicious passengers or activities to security authorities.
