Joint security forces have apprehended Rogers Bukenya, who is suspected to be a mastermind behind vehicle thefts.
Bukenya was apprehended based on a tip-off from the Defense Secretary of Kabaga-Kayanga zone in Kiteezi Ward, Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso District, who had seen him with suspected stolen vehicle parts.
Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Police Spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan, revealed that Bukenya was caught with breaking lights, side mirrors, and four switch locks, which he admitted to stealing from a felder registration number UBH 533C owned by Andrew Sekasanvu.
“Further investigations led to the arrest of Nicholas Nagaba, who was there to buy the stolen items. The police recovered stolen properties worth Shillings 3,100,000,” said Owoyesigyire. According to him, Bukenya confessed to being a serial robber of vehicle parts for the last two years.
“He revealed that he and his accomplices usually sold the stolen spare parts to a man at Zion Plaza in Kiseka market,” he added. The police have launched a manhunt for the buyer and his store to recover any suspected stolen properties.
“The case file will be forwarded to the Resident State Attorney for advice when investigations are complete. We commend the vigilant Defense Secretary and his team for their efforts in intercepting the suspect and urge the public to report any suspicious activities to the authorities” said Owoyesigyire.
Meanwhile, police have arrested five suspected machete-welding thugs. The suspects were picked from Gayaza Trading Centre, Gayaza Ward, Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso District. They are Charles Kawoya, Akram Sekubuge Akiram, Enock Mwesigwa, Denis Sagara, and Ivan Mwanja while Rachael Nakese, the wife of Richard Mwesigwe, the suspected commander of the group is still at large.
According to Owoyesigyire, on March 7th, 2023, police received information about armed thugs in Gayaza. He says that police conducted surveillance in the area at around 10:30 pm leading to the arrest of the suspect.
“During the operation, the police recovered eight machetes, six pit axes, five spanners, two motorcycles registration UEF 094E Yamaha and UEK 221S, and a box containing nails. It was discovered that the criminals had planned to attack the Namugongo areas,” he said. He says that further investigations are ongoing, including a search of the suspects’ homes and efforts to trace those still at large.