Police cracks down on boda boda theft racket in Busoga

Kiira: The Kiira Regional Police Command has launched a significant operation targeting a network of criminals involved in the theft of boda bodas (motorcycles) in the Busoga sub-region.

The operation follows the identification of Teso and Karamoja sub-regions as key market corridors where the stolen motorcycles are being sold.

As part of the crackdown, three primary suspects have been arrested and charged with murder and aggravated robbery. They are currently being held at the Jinja Central Police Station (CPS). The suspects include:

Fahad Magambo (25), a carpenter from Buwenge Mpya, Kamuli Municipality, Kamuli District, Ali Ekido (48), a mechanic from Ojukai Village, Atooto Sub-County, Ngora District and John Ebunyu (42), a resident of Omatai Village, Okoboi Sub-County, Kapelebyong District.

These individuals, along with others who are still at large, are believed to have orchestrated a criminal operation targeting boda boda riders across several districts in Busoga, including Jinja, Kamuli, Iganga, Namayingo, Namutumba, Bugiri, Luuka, Kaliro, and Mayuge.

The police action follows the tragic murder of boda boda rider Charles Taligola, whose motorcycle (UGD 294M) was stolen on the night of December 7-8, 2024, in Wakitaka, Jinja Northern Division, Jinja City.

Taligola was later buried in Kiyunga Parish, Kisozi Sub-County, Kamuli District. His death prompted a swift response from the Kiira Regional Police Command, which mobilized crime intelligence units to track down the culprits.

As a result of the investigation, Fahad Magambo has confessed to selling five suspected stolen motorcycles to Ali Ekido, including the one owned by the deceased, Charles Taligola.

Magambo provided police with details of his routes, which included traveling from Kamuli to various locations such as Namwendwa, Kaliro, Gadhumire, and Pallisa, to sell stolen motorcycles.

Magambo further implicated his father, Peter Magambo, a resident of Kamuli District, who is believed to have introduced him to the illegal trade.

A manhunt is now underway for Peter Magambo, who reportedly instructed his son to deliver the stolen motorcycle to Ali Ekido in Ngora District. Ekido paid Magambo 3.8 million shillings for the bike, part of which was intended for Peter Magambo.

Additionally, Ali Ekido communicated with John Ebunyu, offering to sell him the stolen motorcycle for 4.5 million shillings.

Ebunyu paid 3.5 million in cash, leaving an outstanding balance of 1 million shillings. Ekido also provided Ebunyu with a forged logbook and a photocopy of the national ID belonging to Paul Mugombesha, the original buyer of the motorcycle. Police have confirmed the documents were counterfeit.

In response to the growing issue of motorcycle theft, Kiira Regional Police has coordinated with other regional forces to improve operations and increase the likelihood of catching additional members of the criminal network.

According to SSP Monday Johnson Agaba, the Kiira Regional CID Officer, a special desk has been set up at all three policing divisions within the region to specifically handle motorcycle theft cases.

To further improve efficiency, officers have undergone an intensive two-week training program designed to better equip them in tackling these types of crimes.

The investigation has confirmed that the Teso and Karamoja sub-regions are significant markets for stolen motorcycles from the Busoga sub-region.

These regions serve as key destinations where stolen bikes are sold, often through local criminal networks that are difficult to trace without the support of coordinated regional police efforts.

The investigation is ongoing, and police are actively searching for additional individuals involved in this theft ring. Authorities have assured the public that they will continue to disrupt criminal activities and take stern action against those involved in the theft of boda bodas.

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