“The operation followed several complaints from the public, both on social media and at police stations, about criminals vandalizing and stealing from motor vehicles, especially during traffic jams at peak hours,” Owoyesigyire said.
The Police in Kampala are holding nine key suspects who have been vandalizing and stealing from motor vehicles during traffic jam peak hours.
Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson has identified the suspects as; Makana Dan, Kajubi Stephen, Owundo Stephen, Asiimwe Ibra, Kageni Isaac, Baba, Izo Bindusa, Dan and Ibra.
Owoyesigyire says that through the intelligence-led joint operation conducted by the Central Police Station (CPS) Kampala and Jinja Road Police Division, on 22nd August 2025, they targeted the areas of Shell Nakawa, Punjab, Rufura, Wampewo, and the Mukwano roundabout stretch.
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“The operation followed several complaints from the public, both on social media and at police stations, about criminals vandalizing and stealing from motor vehicles, especially during traffic jams at peak hours. The criminals mainly target vehicles such as Harriers and Mercedes Benz, stealing parts like side mirrors and front vents,” he said in a police statement shared on Friday.
He says the operation, commanded by officers from CPS Kampala and Jinja Road Police Division, successfully led to the arrest of nine suspects believed to be hardcore criminals.
The suspects are currently detained at CPS Kampala for screening, fingerprinting, and further investigations, as most related cases are reported there.
“The suspects confessed to committing several acts of vandalism and theft, and are cooperating with police in tracing other wanted accomplices still at large, namely Musiramu, Juice (Bugolobi), and others,” he said, adding; “This operation has significantly disrupted the criminal networks behind “Jam Theft” in the city.”
Kampala Metropolitan Police will continue to carry out intelligence-led and disruptive operations across divisional boundaries, especially within and around the CBD, to eradicate criminal elements involved in vandalism and theft from motor vehicles.