Ibanda District police have arrested three men believed to be part of a criminal gang responsible for repeated boda-boda thefts in the area.
The suspects, identified as Edwin Najuna, Ronald Mutebi, and Saidi Tumwiine, were apprehended on Wednesday night after vigilant community members intercepted them and alerted authorities.
During the operation, police recovered five motorcycles with registration numbers UEL 202H, UDW 078N, UFH 984Q, USE 328U, and UFD 668Q, along with 15 motorcycle number plates, suggesting the theft network may be larger than initially suspected.
Ibanda District Police Commander (DPC) SP Paul Katwesigye confirmed the arrests and praised the community for its timely intervention.
“The suspects were intercepted by residents during a night operation and the community immediately called police,” SP Katwesigye said.
“We recovered several motorcycles and number plates, and investigations are underway.”
He urged the public to assist law enforcement, particularly in identifying the rightful owners of the recovered motorcycles.
Local leaders also raised concerns about repeat offences by one of the suspects.
Lauben Tumwijukye, the LC I chairperson of Rwengwe III in Kikyenkye Sub-county, where Najuna resides, noted that this was the third time Najuna had been arrested.
“This is the third time Najuna has been arrested, but he has always been released,” Tumwijukye said.
“Residents are hopeful that this time justice will be served.”
The suspects remain in custody at Ibanda Central Police Station as investigations continue.
