MUKONO, Uganda
Police in Mukono District have arrested a man suspected of being behind a string of motorcycle robberies targeting boda boda riders in Kasawo and surrounding areas.
The suspect, identified as Kyeyune Julius, also known as Kavuma, was arrested during a police operation conducted in Kakira Village, Kasawo Sub-county, according to the Uganda Police Force.
Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said officers from Nagalama Police carried out the operation at around 8:00 a.m. after gathering information linking the suspect to multiple motorcycle theft incidents.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly used a deceptive method to target boda boda riders.
According to police, he would reportedly travel to areas outside Kasawo and hire motorcycles as an ordinary passenger seeking transport back to Kasawo. Upon reaching the area, he would allegedly direct riders to remote locations, particularly around the vast sugarcane plantations in Kakira Village.
Investigators believe these isolated areas provided an opportunity for the suspect to rob riders of their motorcycles before fleeing the scene.
Motorcycle theft remains a major concern for boda boda operators across Uganda, with criminals often exploiting riders who work alone and travel long distances with unfamiliar passengers.
Security officials say suspects frequently lure riders to secluded areas where they are attacked and robbed of their motorcycles, which are later sold or dismantled for spare parts.
The arrest of Kyeyune is expected to aid ongoing investigations into similar cases reported in Mukono and neighboring districts.
The operation forms part of broader efforts by the Uganda Police Force to combat motorcycle-related crimes, which continue to affect the transport sector and livelihoods of many riders.
Police have urged boda boda operators to remain vigilant, avoid taking passengers to isolated locations without proper caution, and promptly report suspicious individuals to security authorities.
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