Kampala, Uganda: Police in Kampala have arrested six suspects during an operation targeting shops suspected of dealing in stolen vehicle parts in Kisekka Market, located in Central Division of Kampala.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala, the operation was conducted on March 5, 2026, by officers attached to Jinja Road Police Station between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm.
“In a continued operation against acts of phone snatching and the theft of motor vehicle parts, particularly side mirrors and grills, along the Lugogo–Nakawa traffic lights on Jinja Road in Kampala District, Police at Jinja Road Police Station conducted an intelligence-led operation on 03/03/2026 targeting the affected areas,” Ms Kawala said.
“During the operation, six suspects were arrested for allegedly being in possession of suspected stolen property,” she added.
During interrogation, the suspect revealed how they would often target and monitor vehicles, particularly high-end models such as Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover, before removing and stealing their side mirrors.
In searches conducted at the premises of the suspects, officers reportedly recovered several exhibits believed to be stolen vehicle components. The recovered items included old vehicle grills, side mirrors, motor vehicle number plates, spotlights, headlamps and baby side mirrors.
Ms Kawala said the recovered items have been seized as exhibits to support ongoing investigations, while the six suspects have since been charged with receiving and retaining suspected stolen goods, and are currently detained at Jinja Road Police Station as investigations continue ahead of prosecution.
She added that the operation is part of continued efforts by the police to dismantle networks involved in theft and illegal trade of vehicle parts in Kampala.
“Similar operations aimed at curbing theft from motor vehicles have previously been conducted in the areas of Wampewo Avenue and along Jinja Road traffic corridors. On 23rd and 24th October 2025, an intelligence-led operation in these areas resulted in the arrest of two suspects who were subsequently charged with stealing from motor vehicles,” she noted.
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