Police arrest suspect over road signage vandalism in Albertine North
“We call upon residents to continue working with police by providing information about those involved in this criminal activity. Community vigilance is key to protecting public property,” Mugisa said.
Masindi: Police in the Albertine North Region have arrested a 38-year-old man suspected of vandalizing and stealing road signage, a vice authorities say is contributing to the increasing number of road crashes in the area.
The suspect, identified as Abdalah Amanya, a resident of Nankulabye in Kampala, was arrested on Thursday morning at Masindi Taxi Park as he attempted to board a taxi back to Kampala.
According to ASP Solomon Mugisa, the Albertine North Regional Community Liaison Officer and Acting Regional Police Spokesperson, the arrest followed a tip-off from vigilant residents.
“Amanya was arrested at about 10 a.m. following information provided by concerned residents. Upon his arrest, police conducted a search and recovered 12 road signs and several implements believed to have been used in the vandalism, including a hammer,” Mugisa said.
The recovered items were taken to Masindi Central Police Station as investigations continue.
Mugisa said police are now hunting for other suspects believed to be part of the vandalism ring.
“We are pursuing Amanya’s colleagues with the aim of arresting them so that they can be jointly charged in court with offences related to theft and vandalism,” he added.
Police have linked the destruction of road signage to the growing number of road crashes in the region, noting that motorists are often left without crucial warning and directional signs.
“Vandalizing road signs has greatly contributed to road crashes because road users are denied important information and warnings while using the roads,” Mugisa explained.
He appealed to members of the public to support law enforcement efforts by reporting individuals involved in the destruction of public infrastructure.
“We call upon residents to continue working with police by providing information about those involved in this criminal activity. Community vigilance is key to protecting public property,” Mugisa said.
Police have since launched broader investigations to establish the motive and network behind the rampant vandalism of road signage across the region.
The vice has become increasingly common on newly constructed roads in the Bunyoro sub-region, where many traffic signs have either been damaged or stolen.
Road safety experts warn that missing road signs expose motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to increased risks, particularly on unfamiliar routes.
According to Uganda Police annual crime and traffic reports, road crashes remain a major challenge in the country. In 2024, Uganda recorded 4,434 fatal crashes, while the figure rose to 4,602 in 2025. The Albertine region has consistently ranked among the areas recording the highest number of road crash fatalities.
Authorities say protecting road infrastructure remains a critical component of efforts to improve road safety and reduce deaths on Uganda’s roads.
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