Nine arrested over car vandalism in Kampala

Kampala, (UG): The Police at Kampala CPS working together with the Directorate of Crime Intelligence (DCI) have arrested nine suspects over charges related to vandalism of vehicle parts in Kampala.

The operation followed an outcry by Ugandans on social media who expressed their dissatisfaction with ‘untouched’ vandals terrorising vehicle owners in the country’s capital.

“Our vehicles are vandalized even in places where police are stationed and I think these people are known and being protected by police,” a man whose vehicle was vandalized at Buganda road said on a social media post, pointing at police officers taking a habitual rest under tree shades.

Constitutional Square is often filled with general duty police dressed in Khaki and Field Force Unit officers in blue camouflage. However, Buganda Road and Constitutional Square are some of the places where vehicles are often vandalized in broad daylight.

In response to public outcry, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire the deputy KMP spokesperson says DCI and CPS deployed a covert team that caught the vandals red-handed plucking off side mirrors, and lights.

“The suspects were caught red-handed in the act of stealing from both moving vehicles and those parked in KCCA parking spots. Further interrogation of the apprehended individuals led the police to the Kiseka area, where they discovered shops engaged in the illegal trade of stolen vehicle parts,” ASP Owoyesigyire said in a police statement.

The four suspects arrested in the operation include; Muhammed Ramathan, Deus Kabalega, Lawrence Emron, and Enoch Kazungu, with police recovering a significant number of stolen motor vehicle parts from the suspects.

According to Mr Owoyesigyire, the quartet later revealed that they sell the stolen vehicle parts to spare parts traders at Kisekka market which led to the arrest of five more suspects. These include Abdul-Karim Lukwago, Mark Kabambwe, Fred Nyanzi, and Fred Wandera.

“All suspects are currently in custody at the Central Police Station in Kampala, where they will undergo due process. They will subsequently be brought before the courts of law to face charges related to their involvement in these criminal activities,” Owoyesigyire said.

The DCI and CPS have vowed that the operations against vehicle vandalism will continue until most of the suspects are apprehended.

Owoyesigyire said police remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of the public, as well as the protection of their property.