Police Bust Kiseka Shops In Major Operation Against Car Parts Theft

Police in Kampala have intensified operations against motor vehicle part theft and phone snatching, arresting seven suspects in a series of intelligence-led crackdowns targeting known hotspots within the city.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Kawala Rachael, officers from Jinja Road Police Station conducted an operation on March 5, 2026, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. in the Kiseka area of Central Division, Kampala District. The operation focused on shops suspected of dealing in stolen property.

Six suspects were arrested for allegedly being in possession of suspected stolen goods. A search at their respective shops led to the recovery of several exhibits to support ongoing investigations. Items recovered included old vehicle grills, side mirrors, motor vehicle number plates, spotlights, headlamps, and baby side mirrors.

The suspects have since been charged with receiving and retaining suspected stolen property and are currently detained at Jinja Road Police Station pending prosecution.

In a related development, police on March 3, 2026, carried out another intelligence-led operation targeting persistent phone snatching and theft of vehicle parts along the Lugogo–Nakawa traffic lights corridor on Jinja Road in Kampala District.

The operation resulted in the arrest of a key suspect identified as Sserugo Denis, who was apprehended near the former Electoral Commission premises. During interrogation, Sserugo reportedly revealed that he and his accomplices—still at large—would monitor high-end vehicles, particularly Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover models, before removing and stealing their side mirrors.

Police have launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects.

Authorities noted that similar enforcement operations have previously been conducted along Wampewo Avenue and the Jinja Road traffic corridor. On October 23 and 24, 2025, an intelligence-led operation in these areas led to the arrest of two suspects who were later charged with stealing from motor vehicles.

During that earlier crackdown, several exhibits were recovered from Wakiseka, including baby mirrors, side mirrors, grills for Toyota Harrier vehicles, lamps, and other related items.

Police say the renewed operations underscore their commitment to curbing theft from motor vehicles and dismantling networks dealing in stolen automotive parts within the Kampala metropolitan area.