Thefts In Mbarara: 6 Motorcycles Impounded, 16 Suspects Arrested

In a significant breakthrough in the fight against crime, the territorial police in Rwizi Region and Mbarara North Division have apprehended 16 suspects believed to be part of a criminal syndicate responsible for a spate of ride-along thefts in various areas of Mbarara.

The gang, notorious for targeting pedestrians and passengers on boda bodas (motorcycle taxis), has been operating in areas including Nyakinengo, Katojo, Migamba, Mwere, and Koranorya-Kikade. Armed with pangas and sharp implements, they have been terrorizing commuters, making off with valuables such as smartphones, bags, and wallets.

Among those arrested on March 24, 2024, are individuals with aliases such as Bamushangamu Ponsiano, Nsubuga Sulaiman, Matovu Jawadu, and others listed in the police report. The only female suspect, Tukamushaba Doreen, was also taken into custody.

In a coordinated effort, law enforcement agencies seized six motorcycles allegedly used by the gang to carry out their criminal activities. These motorcycles, identified as Bajaj Boxers, bear registration numbers UFS 884P, UFS 602Q, UFS 260Y, UFT 977Y, UFZ 012U, and UFJ 652D. They are currently held at the Mbarara City North Division offices as evidence.

Police spokesperson SCP Enanga Fred emphasized the importance of community involvement in combating crime, urging the public to continue providing information that could lead to the arrest of other accomplices still at large. “The arrest of the criminal gang members and the serious hunt of other accomplices who are still at large, demonstrates our collective resolve, as the Joint Security and Intelligence Agencies, to fight violent crime within Mbarara City and the neighboring districts,” stated SCP Enanga Fred.