By Kampala Metropolitan Police have arrested nine suspects in an intelligence-led operation targeting criminal gangs notorious for vandalizing and stealing from motor vehicles during traffic jams.
The Friday morning operation, conducted jointly by officers from CPS Kampala and Jinja Road Police Division, focused on high-traffic areas including Shell Nakawa, Punjab, Rufura, Wampewo, and the Mukwano roundabout stretch.
According to ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Police Spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan, the crackdown followed several complaints from the public, both on social media and at police stations, about thefts that had become common during peak-hour traffic.
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“These criminals mainly target high-end vehicles such as Harriers and Mercedes Benz, stealing parts like side mirrors and front vents,” Owoyesigyire said.
The arrested suspects were identified as Makana Dan, Kajubi Stephen, Owundo Stephen, Asiimwe Ibra, Kageni Isaac, Baba, Izo Bindusa, Dan, and Ibra. They are being held at CPS Kampala for screening, fingerprinting, and further investigations.
Police say the suspects confessed to several acts of vandalism and theft and are cooperating in tracking down other wanted accomplices still at large, including men only identified as Musiramu and Juice (of Bugolobi).
Owoyesigyire noted that the successful operation has disrupted a network of hardcore criminals involved in what is now commonly referred to as “Jam Theft” in the city.
He further assured the public that Kampala Metropolitan Police will continue conducting intelligence-led operations across divisional boundaries, particularly within and around the Central Business District (CBD), to curb the growing wave of theft from motor vehicles.
