Police in Kawempe have dismantled a gang that has been robbing motorcycles in Lugoba Village Urban Council, Kawempe Division.
The gang comprised of robbers, those who dismantle stolen boda bodas, and the buyers.
According to the Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, they recovered four motorcycles and lots of spare parts.
Owoyesigyire explained that the operation was carried out on April 19, 2023, following a tip-off from a reliable source.
The arrested suspects include Mayanja Godfrey, Mukunda Charles, Asiimwe Brian, Katongole Reagan, Tamale Vincent, and Kayemba Elvis.
“Upon conducting a search operation, the police were able to recover several stolen items, including number plates, side mirrors, and number plate guards,” said Owoyesigyire.
The police statement indicates that Mayanja Godfrey, who identified himself as a mechanic, was arrested from his residence in Lugoba Village Urban Council, where he had hidden two number plates, UEZ 616M and UEV 832P, two pairs of side mirrors, and two number plate guards.
During his arrest, Mayanja led the officers to Mukunda Charles, who was later arrested with a stolen motorcycle.
“Mukunda Charles confessed to stealing the motorcycle from his boss, and he led the police to Semakau’s parking yard, where they recovered another stolen motorcycle,” said Owoyesigyire.
Further investigations led the police to Asiimwe Brian, who was found in possession of several stolen items, including four black helmets, 13 sit guards of motorcycle number plates, six side mirrors, two trucking devices, two ignition switches, and one rope of about 7 meters used in their operations.
Asiimwe led the police to Tamale Vincent, who was also allegedly involved in the theft of motorcycles. Tamale led the police to Katongole Reagan, who had stolen a motorcycle from Kikoni Makerere.
“Kayemba Elvis, a gatekeeper of a certain house where stolen motorcycles were kept, was also arrested, and the police were able to recover a stolen Bajaji boxer motorcycle,” said Owoyesigyire.
The police suspect that there may be more individuals involved in this criminal activity and investigations are ongoing.
The arrested suspects have been charged and are pending prosecution. However, according to the police, one Aka Mulugwala and others are still at large.
The police urge the public to come forward with any information that may lead to their arrest.