29 arrested, 20 motorcycles recovered in security crackdown

Police on Monday arrested 29 suspects and recovered 20 motorcycles during a security crackdown targeting motorcycle robbers in Muganzirwaza Zone and Mutebi Zone, Rubaga Division, Kampala City.

It followed public outcry over a recent surge in coordinated motorcycle robberies in the area.

A police officer at Katwe Police Station, who participated in the operation, disclosed that the robbers pose as passengers along different roads before attacking unsuspecting boda boda riders.

"We have received several reports of stolen motorcycles over the past three months, and we have been tracking the cases," said the officer.

He explained that the robbers lure riders to distant locations and then ambush them with accomplices waiting in hiding.

The suspects would hit their victims on the head and vanish with their motorcycles once they are incapacitated.

Security says the suspects were tracked down, and some motorcycles were recovered, being dismantled for spare parts.

During the operation, police recovered over 20 motorcycles, spare parts, number plates for different motorcycles, as well as exhibits believed to have been used in the attacks on riders.

Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Ms Racheal Kawala, said the suspects are held in police custody, and exhibits are also with the police for further management.

"A case of aggravated robbery has been opened, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend the other suspects. The police operation will continue to combat motorcycle thefts and other crimes like pickpocketing,” Ms Kawala said.

A similar operation was conducted in Mukono, Wandegeya and Namugongo targeting a syndicated motorcycle theft in which stolen motorcycles are dismantled and sold as spare parts.

According to police, one of the alleged ringleaders had dug a tunnel along the Nakivubo drainage channel where motorcycles stolen from different parts of Kampala were hidden.

The suspect was arrested following a swift response by Namugongo Police. After the arrest, another gang member was accused of stealing a motorcycle belonging to Charles Kasirye, a resident of Nsawo.

Kabuka’s arrest led to further investigations that resulted in the capture of other suspects.

According to the Police Annual Crime Report 2025, 5,752 cases of theft of motorcycles were reported to the police in 2025, compared to 6,311 reported in 2024.

Kampala Metropolitan Police registered the highest number of motorcycle thefts, KMP North leading with 746 cases, KMP South with 666, and KMP East with 486. North Kyoga followed with 333, Rwizi with 281, and Albertine South with 260.