Police Operation Bursts Organized Criminal Gang Stealing Truck Spare Parts

In a successful intelligence-led operation conducted by the Directorate of Crime Intelligence, in coordination with the Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) and Mukono police, an organized criminal gang involved in the vandalism and theft of spare parts from long-distance trucks, lorries, and trailers has been arrested.

Under the guise of offering assistance for broken-down trucks, the gang would surreptitiously remove valuable spare parts, particularly differentials (diff) and axles, from parked trucks along the Mukono Jinja highway. The crackdown operation spanned various areas including Bugembe, Katwe, and Nakanyonyi in Jinja City, resulting in the recovery of a range of suspected stolen spare parts.

As of now, five suspects have been arrested, namely Sendagire Muhammad, Matege Dan, Mukasa Robert, Muhindo Joseph, and Jagwe Arthur, while an intensive manhunt is underway to apprehend other members of the criminal gang.

SCP Enanga Fred the Police Spokesperson told the media that during the search at their known hideouts, law enforcement successfully recovered 58 axles, 2 diffs, and 2 gearboxes that were stolen from six different trucks.

Among the recovered items is a Fuso truck with registration number UBJ 370H, parked at Best Petrol station in Mbalala, a Fuso truck with registration number UBE 952Y, parked at Igar Petrol station in Mukono, a Fuso truck with registration number UBG 249X, parked at Meru Petrol station in Mbalala, a Fuso truck with registration number UBH 896L, parked in Mbalala, a Fuso truck with registration number UAL 761Z, parked at Lake Oil Namataba, and an Isuzu Forward truck with registration number UBE 824S, parked at Magnon Petrol station in Lugazi.

The recent arrests of these suspects clearly demonstrate the unwavering commitment of the police to combat criminal activities within the transport industry. Ensuring the safety of drivers and motorists on the roads is a top priority.

Enanga emphasized the determination of the police to restore security and combat criminality in the transport sector.

“The arrests of the suspects demonstrate our resolve as the police, to rid the transport industry of criminality. We want our drivers/motorists to feel safe on the roads. As we intensify our road policing through targeted patrols, we also urge all drivers of trucks and lorries to always ensure they park in well-lit and secured areas, and if possible, to leave some space between their trucks when they park. It not only prevents accidental damage, but it also means thieves or vandals are more likely to be seen. We want to reassure those affected that we have the right suspects, who are being processed for further court action,” says Enanga.