Police Arrest Five, Recover 12 Suspected Stolen Motorcycles in Kampala

What the report says

Police in the Kampala Metropolitan Area said they arrested five suspects and recovered 12 motorcycles they believe were stolen during an intelligence-led operation in Ndeeba, Katwe Division, Kampala District. Watchdog Uganda reported that the action took place on August 25, 2026, at about 5:00 p.m., after rising public concern over motorcycle theft in the city.

According to the report, the operation began after a stolen motorcycle, registration UMA 330NR, was reported at Nabweru Police Station. Investigators traced it to Busabala in Katwe Division, where two men were arrested: Mugisha Ivan, 28, and Kabanda David, 25. Police said the pair were linked to a wider network involved in stealing, concealing and disposing of motorcycles.

Preliminary findings cited by the publisher say the suspects targeted newer motorcycles, hid them until tracking devices could be removed, and then moved them to Ndeeba for disposal. Police said some bikes were allegedly dismantled for parts while others were altered to look older before resale, reportedly at about Shs1.7 million each. The 12 recovered motorcycles are being held as investigations continue.

The case highlights the broader challenge of motorcycle theft in Kampala and police efforts to disrupt networks that remove tracking devices and resell stolen bikes. Police said they are still working to identify additional suspects and trace the lawful owners of the recovered motorcycles.