Kampala Metropolitan Police have arrested nine suspects in a joint intelligence-led operation targeting notorious jam theft gangs that vandalize vehicles during heavy traffic.
The Friday morning operation covered Shell Nakawa, Punjab, Rufura, Wampewo, and the Mukwano roundabout stretch. Officers from CPS Kampala and Jinja Road Police Division led the crackdown, following repeated public complaints on social media and at police stations.
According to police spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the arrested suspects include Dan Makana, Stephen Kajubi, Stephen Owundo, Ibra Asiimwe, Isaac Kageni, Baba, Izo Bindusa, Dan, and Ibra. They are currently held at CPS Kampala for screening, fingerprinting, and further investigations.
Owoyesigyire added that the suspects confessed to multiple acts of vandalism and theft. Moreover, they are helping police track down accomplices still at large, including individuals identified only as Musiramu and Juice of Bugolobi.
Crime Context in Kampala
Vehicle vandalism remains one of the most reported urban crimes in Kampala. The Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2024 revealed that out of 14,681 reported theft cases from motor vehicles nationwide, more than 60% occurred in Kampala and Wakiso.
Luxury cars, especially Toyota Harriers and Mercedes Benz, were the most targeted, since their spare parts fetch high prices on the black market. The same report noted that police arrested 2,947 suspects for such crimes in 2024, yet repeat offenders remain a challenge. Notably, jam theft gangs often operate in groups, using traffic congestion as cover.
ASP Owoyesigyire emphasized that Friday’s operation disrupted a network that had long troubled motorists along the Nakawa–Mukwano corridor.
“This operation has significantly disrupted the criminal networks behind jam theft in the city. We shall continue to conduct intelligence-led and disruptive operations within and around the CBD to eradicate these criminals,” he said.
Police have urged motorists to remain alert, avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, and report suspicious people loitering near traffic jam-prone junctions.