5 Arrested for Vandalizing Trucks Parked on Jinja Highway

Uganda Police Force has in custody 5 suspects involved in vandalism and theft of spare parts from long distance trucks, lorries and trailers that are parked alongside the road, fuel stations, other parking lots and in vulnerable locations.

The Directorate of Crime Intelligence, in coordination with KMP and Mukono police, carried out an intelligence led operation on the 24.05.2023, and cracked down the organized criminal gang, that had specialized in the vandalism and theft.

According to Fred Enanga, "Under the pretext of repairing a broken-down truck, they end up removing the spare parts, especially the diff and axles, on parked trucks along the Mukono Jinja highway. The crackdown operation covered areas of Bugembe, Katwe and Nakanyonyi in Jinja City, where an assortment of suspected stolen spare parts were recovered. So far 5 suspects have been arrested and these include; Sendagire Muhammad, Matege Dan, Mukasa Robert, Muhindo Joseph and Jagwe Arthur. A serious manhunt for other members of the criminal gang is ongoing."

A search at their known promises, led to the successful recovery of 58 axles, 02 diffs and 2 gear boxes, that were stolen from 6 trucks. These include a Fuso registration number UBJ 370H, that was parked at Best Petrol station Mbalala, Fuso registration number UBE 952Y that was parked at Igar Petrol station, Mukono, Fuso registration number UBG 249X, that was parked at Meru Petrol station in Mbalala, Fuso registration number UBH 896L that was parked in Mbalala, Fuso registration number UAL 761Z that was parked at Lake Oil Namataba and Isuzu forward registration number UBE 824S that was parked at Magnon Petrol station in Lugazi.

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 roads 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.