Bugiri Police Arrest Suspected Motorcycle Thief, Recover Bike Stolen in Busia

By Barasa Richard BUGIRI, Uganda | October 20, 2026

Police in Bugiri District have arrested a 25-year-old man suspected of motorcycle theft and recovered a motorcycle believed to have been stolen from neighbouring Busia District, as investigations into a suspected organised theft network in eastern Uganda continue.

The suspect, identified as Tabo Yakubu, a resident of Arubaine “B”, Eastern Division, Bugiri Municipality, was arrested on October 19 at Mugoona Village in Buwunga Sub-county following intelligence that he was allegedly attempting to sell a suspected stolen motorcycle.

According to police, officers moved swiftly to the scene and apprehended the suspect before the proposed transaction could be completed.

The recovered motorcycle, registration number UGJ 976D, is currently being held at Bugiri Central Police Station as officers work to establish its rightful owner.

Suspected Theft Network

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect and his alleged accomplices may have been targeting boda boda riders by hiring motorcycles under the pretence of being customers before disappearing with the vehicles.

Police say the stolen motorcycles are allegedly sold at low prices to individuals and garages in Bugiri, Busia, Butaleja and Iganga districts. Some are reportedly dismantled, with engines, tyres, fuel tanks and other components sold separately.

According to the police account, the suspect told investigators that he operated with a group whose other members remain at large. Investigators are pursuing leads to establish the identities of the alleged accomplices and determine the extent of the suspected network.

The claims remain subject to investigation, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.

Police Confirm Arrest

ASP Kasadha Michael, the Busoga East Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed the arrest, describing it as a significant development in efforts to combat motorcycle theft in the region.

Police registered a case of being in possession of suspected stolen property under Bugiri SD Reference 49/19/10/2026. The suspect is also reportedly linked to another case registered under SD Reference 50/20/09/2026.

ASP Kasadha said investigations were ongoing and that the suspect was expected to be produced in court after their completion.

Police intelligence indicates that motorcycle UGJ 976D was stolen from Busia District approximately two weeks before its recovery, allegedly after its owner was deceived in a similar manner.

The individual who was reportedly preparing to purchase the motorcycle at Mugoona Village has also recorded a statement to assist investigators in tracing the suspected criminal network.

More Than 15 Motorcycle Theft Cases Reported

ASP Kasadha said more than 15 motorcycle theft cases had been reported in Bugiri, Busia and Iganga districts over the preceding three months, highlighting the impact of the crime on boda boda operators.

Motorcycles are a vital source of income for many riders, and theft can leave victims without their livelihoods while exposing those who purchased the vehicles through loans to financial difficulties.

Some boda boda riders in Bugiri Municipality have welcomed the arrest, alleging that suspected thieves sometimes pose as passengers travelling to remote villages before stealing motorcycles. Some riders also report being threatened with knives during robberies.

Police are investigating the alleged methods and working with officers in neighbouring districts to identify possible links between reported cases.

Investigations Extend to Garages

ASP Kasadha said police were using information obtained during questioning to track down the suspect's alleged accomplices.

Investigators are also pursuing forensic verification of the recovered motorcycle's engine and chassis numbers and comparing its details with reports of missing motorcycles in Bugiri, Busia, Butaleja and Iganga.

Police operations are also targeting garages suspected of handling stolen motorcycle parts, although any allegations against particular businesses would require independent verification.

Authorities have appealed to people whose motorcycles were stolen in the four districts to report to Bugiri Central Police Station for verification. Owners have been advised to carry logbooks, purchase receipts and records of identifying marks to help establish ownership.

Police Issue Warning to Boda Boda Riders

Police have urged boda boda operators to exercise caution when accepting customers, particularly those requesting journeys to isolated locations.

Riders have also been encouraged to verify customers' identities where possible and consider installing tracking devices to improve the chances of recovering stolen motorcycles.

ASP Kasadha called on members of the public to share credible information that could help police identify and arrest other suspects.

Investigations remain ongoing as police pursue the alleged accomplices and work to return the recovered motorcycle to its rightful owner.