In a series of successful operations aimed at curbing the rising issue of motorcycle theft, Katwe Police have made significant strides in recovering stolen motorcycles and spare parts. The latest developments come after a major crackdown in the Kibuye area, particularly around Muganzziwaza, where a large number of stolen motorcycles were found. Over 50 victims have already reported their stolen motorcycles, and more are expected as the investigation continues.
According to sources, the recovery operation is part of a broader effort by Katwe Police, supported by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), to dismantle a large criminal network involved in stealing motorcycles and selling their parts. These criminals targeted different regions, and the stolen motorcycles were either sold in parts or used in other illegal activities such as aggravated robbery, attempted murder, and theft.
The most recent search, conducted on April 22, 2026, focused on Wansanso Zone, Kibuye II Parish, in Makindye Division, Kampala. During the operation, officers searched eight shops, leading to the recovery of significant evidence linking them to stolen motorcycles. Among the items recovered were twenty-eight Ugandan motorcycle number plates, eight motorcycle tracking devices, three foreign motorcycle number plates, and one South Sudanese number plate. In addition to these, police also found three motorcycles with tampered or vandalized number plates, further confirming the scale of the theft network.
A separate operation later in the day resulted in the arrest of several suspects believed to be linked to the stolen motorcycles. Kavuma Faisal was arrested at Shell Kibuye after police found a brand-new motorcycle and various spare parts in his shop. Similarly, Sonko Alex, a resident of Nateete, was apprehended with a stolen motorcycle—registration number UFC 830R. Another suspect, Matovu Mike, was arrested in Ndeeba in connection with the same operation.
Police investigations are still ongoing, and authorities have promised that further arrests and recoveries are expected as they continue to trace stolen motorcycles and their illicit trade. Katwe Police have assured the public that they remain committed to fighting motorcycle theft and breaking the criminal networks involved in the theft and sale of motorcycle parts.
In total, the ongoing operations have already led to the recovery of 31 motorcycles, 91 Ugandan motorcycle number plates, 11 Kenyan plates, 1 South Sudan government number plate, and 9 motorcycle trackers. More victims are encouraged to come forward as the police work tirelessly to ensure that stolen items are returned to their rightful owners.
