Three arrested for boda boda murders, motorcycle theft in Busoga

The Kiira Regional Police Command has arrested three individuals suspected to be part of a criminal network responsible for the murder of boda boda riders and the theft of their motorcycles in the Busoga sub-region.
The suspects, identified as Fahad Magambo (25), a carpenter from Kamuli District; Ali Ekido (48), a mechanic from Ngora District; and John Ebunyu (42), a resident of Kapelebyong District, are currently detained at Jinja Central Police Station. They face charges of murder and aggravated robbery.
Regional Police spokesperson James Mubi revealed that the suspects, along with others still at large, targeted boda boda riders operating at night across districts including Jinja, Kamuli, Iganga, and Mayuge.
The recent crackdown was prompted by the murder of boda boda rider Charles Taligola and the robbery of his motorcycle (registration number UGD 294M) on the night of December 7–8, 2024, in Wakitaka, Jinja City. Taligola was laid to rest in Kiyunga Parish, Kamuli District.
Investigations revealed a complex operation involving the theft, sale, and use of forged documents:
Fahad Magambo, who confessed to stealing five motorcycles, admitted to selling them to Ali Ekido in Ngora District. He disclosed the route he used for transporting the stolen motorcycles.
Fahad implicated his father, Peter Magambo Ssekitoleko, for introducing him to the criminal activities. Police are conducting a manhunt for Ssekitoleko.
Ali Ekido purchased the stolen motorcycle for Shs 3.8 million and later sold it to John Ebunyu in Napak District for Shs 4.5 million, using forged logbooks and identification documents.
The Kiira Regional Police Command has determined that stolen motorcycles from the Busoga region are sold primarily in the Teso and Karamoja sub-regions.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Charles Nsaba led the operation, with support from crime intelligence units and regional police officers. The collaborative effort resulted in the arrest of the three suspects.
To address the rising cases of motorcycle theft, Kiira regional CID officer SSP Monday Johnson Agaba has set up a special desk at all three policing divisions to expedite investigations.
Officers recently underwent a two-week capacity-building program to enhance their ability to handle such cases.
Deputy Resident City Commissioner Hamis Kiganira expressed alarm over the escalating violence, noting that six boda boda riders have been killed in Jinja Northern Division this month alone.
The Kiira Regional Police Command is intensifying efforts to track down other suspects and dismantle the network of motorcycle thieves.