An investigation into motorcycle theft in Kampala has uncovered an alleged network in which relatively new motorcycles are stolen, tracking devices removed and the bikes later sold or dismantled for spare parts, police have said.
The investigation followed the theft of motorcycle registration number UMA 330NR, which was reported at Nabweru Police Station.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Kawala Racheal, intelligence-led investigations eventually traced the motorcycle to Busabala in Katwe Division.
“Following investigations and intelligence gathering, our task team traced the motorcycle to the Busabala area in Katwe Division in Kampala District,” Kawala said.
Two suspects, identified as Mugisha Ivan, 28, and Kabanda David, 25, were arrested in connection with the theft.
Police allege that the suspects had hidden the motorcycle while waiting for its tracking device to be removed.
Investigators subsequently followed leads that pointed to Ndeeba as one of the areas allegedly used to process and dispose of stolen motorcycles.
“The suspects allegedly target relatively new motorcycles. After stealing the motorcycles, they reportedly transport them to Ndeeba, where tracking devices are removed,” Kawala said.
According to police, the motorcycles are then sold for approximately Shs1.7 million each.
The suspects reportedly led investigators to Ndeeba, where police identified people and locations allegedly involved in the disposal of stolen motorcycles over the past three months.
A total of 12 motorcycles suspected to have been stolen were impounded during the operation, while additional suspects were arrested.
Police said the investigation has also uncovered different methods allegedly used to dispose of the stolen motorcycles.
“Preliminary findings further indicate that some of the stolen motorcycles are dismantled and sold as spare parts, while others are allegedly modified, made to appear old, and subsequently resold,” Kawala said.
Five suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
Police have also linked some of the suspects to other cases reported at Old Kampala, Nateete, Jinja Road and Nabweru police stations.
Kawala said the investigation had not yet been concluded, with detectives continuing to pursue other people suspected of involvement in the theft and disposal of motorcycles.
“Investigations are still ongoing, and efforts are underway to identify and arrest additional suspects involved in the theft, concealment, dismantling, and disposal of stolen motorcycles,” she said.
The operation comes amid growing public concern over motorcycle theft in Kampala, with police seeking to dismantle networks involved in stealing and reselling motorcycles and their parts.
