The police Flying Squad Units in Masaka and Mukono have recovered five stolen motor vehicles, one motorcycle, and several number plates during three separate operations.

Police Spokesperson SCP Fred Enanga confirmed the development, saying three suspected thieves were arrested during the operation.

The suspects have been identified as Wandera John alias Katiginyi, a notorious car robber from Namubiru village, Nama subcounty, who was nabbed while selling a suspected stolen motor vehicle under registration number UBE 973W, Wasiko Isaac, Patrick Mukyepere, Kanyankole Gideon, and Ivan.

Police identified another suspect as Ddamulira Edward, a 40-year-old male adult and resident of Kivumbi Zone, Nateete Kampala. He has since admitted how they have been using master keys to rob valuables from vehicles parked in busy places, hotels, markets, and vehicles parked on road sides within the greater Kampala area, other cities, and major towns.

Enanga said the suspect was picked up by two of his accomplices from Kyengera, and their target was Masaka City, where they had already broken into two motor vehicles.

“Their motor vehicle was using a fake number plate, UBM 858N, that was fixed on top of the original number plate, UBA 858N. The racket has been selling the stolen motor vehicles to Siraje in Iganga and Brian of Bwaise, who are all wanted,” reads the police statement.

According to police, another suspect, Lukyamuzi Faruku, a 28-year-old land broker in Kyengera Town Council in Wakiso, later led police to the recovery of the motor vehicle they were using following his arrest. Police said a grey premio bearing registration number UAK 762T with breaking implements was impounded during this specific operation.

“Also recovered are a motor vehicle registration number UBB 071U, a motor cycle registration number UFL 975H, and a premio super with a fake number plate UAW 025L. We have established that after stealing the motor vehicles, they alter the chassis number, color, and number plate,” reads the police statement.

According to the police, the arrest of the notorious criminal rackets demonstrates their resolve to fight and counter the criminal elements behind motor vehicle robberies and bodabodas.