Police have arrested 14 suspects in Kibuli, Kampala, following an operation targeting an alleged racket involving the siphoning and illegal sale of government fuel from official vehicles.
The development followed an investigative story by the New Vision which uncovered how government-allocated fuel are siphoned off through a network involving the exploitation of state-owned vehicles.
In an operation carried out on Monday, Police from Kabalagala Police Division raided a washing bay in Kibuli which had been spotlighted by the investigation.
During the operation, police recovered 20 litres of petrol and 80 litres of diesel suspected to have been siphoned from government vehicles.
Several vehicles waiting to transport the petroleum products to different destinations for further distribution and sale were also found at the washing bay.
“Police in Kabalagala have arrested 14 suspects following an operation at a washing bay in Kibuli, where government officials are suspected of siphoning fuel from government vehicles and selling it for personal gain,” Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire said.
Police say the investigation will also focus on the suspected buyers and transporters who may be facilitating the illegal trade.
He also warned fuel dealers, motorists and business operators against purchasing petroleum products whose source cannot be properly established.
“Police will not only pursue individuals involved in stealing government fuel but also those who buy, transport or deal in illegally obtained petroleum products. Anyone found participating in this business risks arrest and prosecution.”
