Police in Kakumiro District have arrested several suspects, including motorcycle garage operators, in an operation against motorcycle theft and the sale of stolen motorcycles in Mwitanzigye Sub-county and other parts of the district.
The operation has led to the arrest the arrest of a suspect in Kibijo who was allegedly found in possession of a stolen motorcycle. According to police, the suspect told investigators that he had purchased the motorcycle from a dealer in Mwitanzigye, prompting security agencies to widen their investigations.
Those arrested are Rwakanuma Kenneth, director of Rwakanuma Garage, and one Ssemuju, associated with Ssemuju Garage; and Ibrahim, associated with Ibrahim Motorcycle Garage.
Kakumiro District Police Commander David Otabong confirmed the ongoing operation, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of motorcycle theft to the nearest police station. Otabong said cooperation between the public and security agencies was crucial in identifying suspects, recovering stolen motorcycles and curbing the vice.
He added that the operation would continue until those suspected of involvement in motorcycle theft and the sale of stolen motorcycles were apprehended.
Meanwhile, Mwitanzigye Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Ompaire Max Frank commended police for intensifying the crackdown, particularly in his area. Ompaire urged residents to exercise caution when purchasing second-hand motorcycles, advising prospective buyers to verify ownership documents and check the motorcycle registration card before completing a transaction.
He also encouraged residents to remain committed to productive work, saying hard work was essential for personal development and improved livelihoods.
Mwitanzigye Sub-county District Councillor Ismael Ssendegeya called on security agencies to conduct similar operations regularly, preferably every month, arguing that sustained enforcement could help reduce motorcycle theft in the area. Ssendegeya also encouraged boda boda riders to establish WhatsApp groups to improve communication and share timely information about security threats.
He advised riders to exchange relevant information that could help trace missing motorcycles and respond to security incidents, while respecting passengers’ privacy and safety.
Police say the operation will continue across Kakumiro District as security agencies intensify efforts to combat motorcycle theft, recover stolen property and bring suspected offenders to justice-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
