Police Arrest 18 in Crackdown on Stolen Vehicle Spare Parts

What the report says

Police in Kampala say they have arrested 18 people in an intelligence-led crackdown on suspected theft and illegal trade in motor vehicle spare parts. The operation was carried out by officers from Jinja Road Police Station and focused on areas linked to reported side mirror thefts, including Ravens Plaza and Life Arcade. Police said the activity was particularly associated with traffic congestion along Jinja Road and near Ntinda Traffic Lights.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Rachael Kawala, the arrests followed growing concern over the theft of vehicle components from motorists stuck in traffic. She said the operation also led to the recovery of several motor vehicle parts. The sweep was led by Division Police Commander SP Sulait Kataka and Officer in Charge of Operations ASP Brian Rugaju, with support from the Field Force Unit, military officers, Criminal Investigations officers and other security personnel.

Police said the suspects will be screened as investigators work to determine each person’s role and to identify others believed to be linked to the network. The arrests are part of a broader effort to disrupt markets and supply chains used to move stolen vehicle parts. In general, such cases can affect motorists through property losses and encourage organised street-level theft, though the police account is focused on this specific operation and the people detained.