Police Arrest 18 in Kampala Crackdown on Motor Vehicle Accessories Theft

What the report says

Police in Kampala arrested 18 suspects, including two women, during an intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing theft and illegal trading in motor vehicle accessories, according to Watchdog Uganda. The arrests were made on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in Kisekka during a police operation carried out by officers from Jinja Road Police Station.

The action focused on Ravens Plaza and Life Arcade after police received complaints from members of the public about rising thefts of vehicle parts, especially in traffic jams and from parked vehicles across the city. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala said the operation was intended to disrupt suspected networks involved in stealing, selling and facilitating the trade in stolen spare parts.

Police said several items believed to be linked to the alleged activity were recovered, including vehicle grilles, side mirrors, baby mirrors, headlamps, rear lamps and other accessories. The suspects are being held in police custody for screening as investigations continue, with authorities saying the crackdown is part of broader efforts to respond to public concern over the problem.

The report adds that police expect to provide further updates as inquiries progress. In broader context, theft of car accessories is a recurring urban crime concern in many cities, often prompting targeted police operations in busy commercial areas.