Police in Wakiso District have arrested eight suspects linked to a suspected motorcycle theft syndicate, highlighting growing concerns over organised crime targeting boda boda riders.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson,Racheal Kawala, the arrests followed a reported theft on April 13, 2026, in which a motorcycle, registration number UMA 594BT, was stolen from a rider in Mpigi District.
“The suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation conducted in Kikaaya Village, Ssumbwe Parish, Wakiso District,” Kawala said.
She added that the operation led to the recovery of the stolen motorcycle, along with three other suspected stolen bikes—UEW 155H, UEK 013F, and UER 546H—all Bajaj Boxer models widely used in the commercial transport sector.
Police say the case points to a coordinated network involved in stealing, altering, and possibly reselling motorcycles, a trend that continues to threaten the livelihoods of boda boda operators.
“One of the suspects, Bukenya Ashim, a welder, was found attempting to remove the number plate from motorcycle UMA 594BT, allegedly with the intention of replacing it with another,” Kawala stated.
Authorities identified the other suspects as Mutebi Denis, Senono Tonny, Katongole Salim, Mutesasira Brian, Wampande Alex, Kiwewa Farick, and Lukenge Sulaiman, with backgrounds ranging from mechanics and welders to scrap dealing and boda boda riding.
All eight suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
Police have repeatedly warned that motorcycle theft is a serious and growing problem, often driven by organised groups that exploit technical skills to tamper with chassis numbers, number plates, and other identifiers before reselling the bikes or dismantling them for parts.
The crime has significant economic implications, particularly for riders who depend on motorcycles as their primary source of income.
Kawala said efforts are ongoing to trace the origin of the recovered motorcycles and identify other possible victims linked to the suspects.
She urged members of the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and verify ownership documents before purchasing motorcycles to avoid falling victim to the illegal trade.