Police in Wakiso District have arrested eight suspects in connection with a motorcycle theft that has drawn attention to a growing network targeting boda boda riders in the area.
The case stems from a theft reported on the night of April 13, 2026, at around 8:00pm when a motorcycle bearing registration number UMA 594BT was stolen from a rider in Nalya Nansese Village, Mpigi District.
Acting on intelligence, officers traced the suspects to Kikaaya Village in Ssumbwe Parish, where a coordinated operation led to multiple arrests and the recovery of the stolen motorcycle.
During the raid, police also recovered three additional motorcycles; UEW 155H, UEK 013F, and UER 546H, all Bajaj Boxer models suspected to have been stolen. Investigators say the operation disrupted what appears to be an organized effort to tamper with and possibly redistribute stolen bikes.
One suspect, identified as Bukenya Ashim, a welder, was reportedly caught in the act of removing the number plate from the stolen motorcycle, allegedly preparing to replace it in a bid to conceal its identity.
The other suspects include individuals described as welders, mechanics, a builder, a scrap dealer, and a boda boda rider, roles police believe may have facilitated the theft and alteration of motorcycles.
All eight suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, with authorities working to establish the full extent of the operation and whether more stolen motorcycles may be linked to the group.
“We are committed to dismantling criminal networks targeting hardworking boda boda riders and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice,” said Rachael Kawala, confirming the arrests and recovery
