DCI Arrests 9 Suspects in Vehicle Vandalism Operation

The Directorate of Crime Intelligence (DCI) in collaboration with police Kampala Central Police Station –CPS have arrested nine suspects in an operation against vehicle parts vandalism.DCI and police embarked on the operation after Ugandans took to social media expressing their dissatisfaction with ‘untouched’ vandals.

“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, 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 the Constitutional Square are some of the places where vehicles are often vandalized in broad day light. 

In response out public outcry, DCI and CPS deployed covert team that caught the vandals red handed plucking off side mirrors, and lights. 

“In a coordinated intelligence operation, the police managed to apprehend suspects involved in the theft of side mirrors and other motor vehicle parts. The suspects, who were caught red-handed in the act of stealing from both moving vehicles and those parked in KCCA parking spots,” ASP Luke Owoyesigyire the deputy KMP spokesperson said.

Owoyesigyire identified the four caught red handed vandalizing vehicle as Muhammed Ramathan, Deus Kabalega, Lawrence Emron, and Enoch Kazungu. Police said a significant number of stolen motor vehicle parts were recovered from the suspects.

The quartet later revealed that they sell the stolen vehicle parts to spare parts traders in Kiseka market. They led police to the shops where they have been selling the stolen spare parts and five more suspects were arrested. These include Abdul-Karim Lukwago, Mark Kabambwe, Fred Nyanzi, and Fred Wandera.

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“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.

DCI and CPS have vowed that the operations against vehicle vandalism will continue until most of the suspects are apprehended. Police said it is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the public, as well as the protection of their property.