The Flying Squad Units in Masaka and Mukono conducted three separate operations against thugs involved in the theft of motor vehicles.
A total of 5 motor vehicles and 1 motorcycle were recovered, and three notorious robbers were arrested, along with several number plates suspected to be from stolen motor vehicles.
According to the police, on January 3, 2024, police officers from Bukoto police, while providing security at a burial ceremony in Butale village, noticed three thugs targeting parked motor vehicles at the function.
“The officers acted swiftly and arrested one suspect called Lukyamuzi Faruku, a 28-year-old land blocker of Kyengera town council in Wakiso, who led them to the recovery of the motor vehicle they were using,” said the police.
Upon searching, several number plates of different vehicles were found hidden under the car seats. The recovered motor vehicle, a grey Premio under registration number UAK762T, with breaking implements, was impounded.
In a separate development, the Flying Squad Unit in Masaka on January 5 at around 9 am gave chase to suspected thugs surveilling in a motor vehicle under a fake number plate UBM 858N.
The officers fired and deflated the tires of the getaway vehicle near Total Petrol Station along Masaka-Kyotera Road, bringing the vehicle to a full halt.
“One suspect, Ddamulira Edward, a 40-year-old male adult and resident of Kvrumbi zone, Nateete Kampala, was arrested,” reads the police statement in part.
The suspect admitted to how they have been using master keys to rob valuables from vehicles parked in busy places, hotels, markets, and vehicles parked on roadsides within the greater Kampala area, other cities, and major towns.
In another development, the police in Mukono Flying Squad arrested one Wandera John, alias Katiginyi, a notorious car robber, from Namubiru village, Nama sub-county while selling a suspected stolen motor vehicle under registration number UBE 973W, canter white in color. The said vehicle was stolen from Nsangi.
His two accomplices who are on the run include Wasiko Isaac, Patrick Mukyepere, Kanyankole Gideon, and Ivan.
The racket has been selling the stolen motor vehicles to Siraje in Iganga and Brian of Bwaise, who are both wanted.
Also recovered are a motor vehicle registration UBB 071U and motorcycle registration number UFL 975H, and a Premio Super with a fake number plate UAW 025L.
“We have established that after stealing the motor vehicles, they alter the chassis number, color, and number plate. The operation is ongoing,” said the police.