Police arrest 14 in crackdown on boda-boda robbery syndicate in Kampala

Police have arrested 14 suspects accused to be part of the gangs robbing boda boda riders and dismantling stolen motorcycles in Kampala.

Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, confirmed the incident

Kampala, Uganda: Police in Kampala Metropolitan South have arrested at least 14 suspects in an intelligence-led operation targeting criminal gangs accused of robbing boda boda riders and dismantling their motorcycles for spare parts.

The operation was conducted on March 11, 2026, at Muganzirwaza Building where security teams searched several shops suspected to be linked to the illegal motorcycle parts trade.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the raid was aimed at dismantling a criminal network believed to have been behind a series of aggravated robberies targeting motorcycle riders across the Kampala metropolitan area.

During the operation, police recovered six motorcycles (Bajaj Boxer) believed to have been stolen from boda boda riders. “The recovered exhibits include six motorcycles (Bajaj Boxer) bearing registration numbers UDJ 081A, UEO 147V, UFH 038X, UDX 342P, UEJ 419G, and UDU 722G,” Owoyesigyire noted.

He added that security teams also recovered a number of items suspected to be linked to the dismantling and resale of stolen motorcycles, including sacks containing dismantled motorcycle spare parts, a blue polythene bag filled with assorted parts, two motorcycle frames, sacks of metal components, and motorcycle number plate frames.

. @Lukowoyesigyire "Kampala Metropolitan Police South conducted an operation targeting suspected criminals linked to aggravated robberies, particularly those targeting boda boda riders.

The operation was carried out on 11th March 2026 at Muganzirwaza Building, where several… pic.twitter.com/NM0tJDBzk2

— Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg) March 12, 2026

Riders lured then attacked

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are believed to be part of a gang that has been targeting boda boda riders since 2025. The criminals typically pose as customers requesting transport services, often from distant locations, before attacking the riders once they reach isolated areas.

“The group reportedly lures boda boda riders from distant areas while posing as customers and later robs them using pangas before dismantling the motorcycles and selling the parts,” Owoyesigyire said.

Police say investigations are continuing as security agencies pursue additional suspects believed to be involved in the criminal network.

Authorities have also urged boda boda riders to remain vigilant, particularly when accepting trips from unknown customers traveling to unfamiliar or isolated locations.

The recovered motorcycles and parts are expected to serve as key evidence as police work to dismantle the robbery syndicate and return stolen motorcycles to their rightful owners.