news 19 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Police Dismantle Multi-Billion Road Theft Syndicate in Kiboga
Police in Kiboga have busted a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in stealing fuel and construction materials from the multi-billion shilling Kampala-Kiboga-Hoima road project. A recent operation led to an arrest and the recovery of stolen goods, highlighting concerns of economic sabotage. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/economic-sabotage-police-crack-down-on-multi-billion-road-construction-theft-syndicate-in-kiboga-5502290
Authorities in Kiboga District have reportedly dismantled a significant criminal enterprise engaged in the theft of a multi-billion shilling road construction project. An intelligence-led police operation in Lwamata Town Council on June 17 uncovered a substantial quantity of siphoned fuel and stolen construction materials intended for the ongoing Kampala–Kiboga–Kyankwanzi–Hoima roadworks.
The operation, which targeted a suspected hub for organized theft along the highway corridor, resulted in the arrest of Wilbur Muyanja, described by police as a key suspect in the illicit trade. Investigators believe the bust has exposed a well-organized supply chain responsible for siphoning diesel and pilfering iron bars and other essential equipment.
Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson, SSP Lamech Kigozi, stated that the crackdown was prompted by intelligence indicating a surge in criminal activity targeting fuel tankers, construction trucks, and storage facilities. “Lwamata and its surrounding areas have become operational zones for organized criminal syndicates that siphon fuel and steal materials meant for road construction,” Kigozi said in a statement. He further noted that these activities not only cause project delays but also lead to significant financial losses for the government.
During the raid, police seized 20 jerrycans of suspected diesel, a truck caught in the act of siphoning, 47 iron bars, and various tools including siphoning tubes and hoses. Investigators allege the stolen materials are fed into a network of informal buyers, with cement and iron bars ending up in local hardware shops, fuel resold to roadside stations, and road barriers disappearing into scrap yards.
Police are treating these incidents as deliberate economic sabotage aimed at undermining critical national infrastructure. SSP Kigozi warned that the crackdown would expand, as intelligence teams are actively pursuing individuals suspected of facilitating or profiting from this illegal trade. The theft threatens not only the timely completion of the vital transport artery connecting central Uganda to the Albertine region but also jeopardizes public investment in national development.