Police arrest seven over alleged motor vehicle parts theft in Kampala

KAMPALA, Uganda — Police in Kampala have arrested seven people in connection with the alleged theft and trade of motor vehicle parts following public concern over a series of vehicle vandalism incidents in the Nateete area.
The operation began on September 15 after a video circulated on social media in which a motorist raised concerns about the theft of parts from vehicles, particularly Toyota Harrier models. Police said an intelligence-led operation subsequently led to the arrest of Jjuko Muhammad, who was suspected of involvement in the theft of motor vehicle parts.
Police said Muhammad later led investigators to six other suspects, who were arrested on September 17. Searches of their shops in Kisekka Market resulted in the recovery of several motor vehicle parts believed to have been stolen.
“Some of the recovered side mirrors bear vehicle registration numbers, which may help us trace the affected vehicles and establish their rightful owners,” said Rachael Kawala, the Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson.
The six additional suspects were identified as Gabriel Agaba, Justine Kushemererwa, Daniel  Muwanguzi, Saidi Ntege, Frank Wasswa and Ivan Lubega. Police said the recovered items had been documented and secured as exhibits as investigations continue.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects may have been involved for a prolonged period in buying and dealing in stolen motor vehicle parts, police said. The suspects remain in police custody as investigators work to establish the extent of the alleged operation and identify the owners of the recovered property.
Registration numbers engraved on some of the recovered side mirrors include UAS 480J, UBK 447G, UA 086DB, UBM 991L, UAR 213K and UBG 969D.
Police have appealed to members of the public who recognise the recovered parts or whose vehicle registration numbers appear on them to come forward with information that could assist the investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police said further details would be released as more information becomes available.