Police in Busoga East have arrested 23 people in separate intelligence-led operations in Iganga and Namayingo districts, including two suspects found with motorcycles and spare parts believed to be stolen.
In Iganga, police arrested two men and recovered four motorcycles, dismantled motorcycle parts and documents believed to be linked to suspected stolen motorcycles.
Busoga East Regional Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha said the operation followed information from members of the public and leaders of the Iganga Municipality Boda-boda Association about a dealer selling second-hand motorcycles without proper ownership documents.
The suspects were identified as Arafat Musenze, 32, of Lwerera Village, Nawanyingi Sub-county, and Joshua Kuzegera, 57, a motorcycle dealer from Bukoyo Village, Bulamagi Sub-county, both in Iganga District.
Police recovered motorcycles registration numbers UDL 920P, UEC 298T and UDH 668H, as well as an unregistered blue motorcycle.
They also recovered 22 front shock absorbers, six engine blocks, 13 engine housings, 23 sprocket seats, seven carburettors, eight air cleaner boxes and number plate UDR 173Z.
A bag containing four logbooks and sale agreements was also recovered.
Kasadha said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects had been dealing in second-hand motorcycles since 2014 and claimed to have obtained them from brokers in Tororo without proper documentation.
One of the recovered motorcycles, UDL 920P, had reportedly been legitimately sold on instalment to Mulindwa Isa before the seller allegedly reported it stolen at Nakalama Police Station following a payment dispute.
The two suspects are being held at Iganga Central Police Station on allegations of possessing suspected stolen property as investigations continue.
Police are also verifying the recovered documents and extending searches to other premises.
Kasadha urged people who have lost motorcycles to report to Iganga Central Police Station for verification, while warning second-hand motorcycle dealers to ensure that vehicles and spare parts in their possession have proper documentation.
21 detained in Namayingo
Meanwhile, police in Namayingo District have detained 21 people during a separate operation targeting suspected criminal activity in Namayingo Town Council.
The suspects, comprising 13 men and eight women, were arrested at about 1am on August 27 during an operation targeting bars operating beyond permitted hours, illegal gaming casinos, black spots and ghettos.
The operation was led by the Namayingo Officer in Charge of Station under the guidance of the District Police Commander, SP Emuron Simon Peter.
Kasadha said some of those arrested were found drinking in bars operating beyond permitted hours and playing games of chance, while others were found in areas identified by police as criminal black spots.
The suspects are being held at Namayingo Central Police Station as investigations continue.
Police said the suspects will be screened and those found culpable will be taken to court.
Kasadha warned bar owners and gaming operators against violating licensing conditions and operating beyond permitted hours, saying similar operations would continue to address activities considered a threat to community safety.