Police Arrest 14 Suspects in Kibuli Fuel Siphoning Raid

Security forces in Kampala have detained 14 suspects and impounded a fuel tanker during a targeted security raid in Kibuli. The operation cracked down on an illicit fuel trading ring where drivers reportedly diverted official government and private institutional vehicles to hidden locations to drain their tanks.

Led by Kabalagala Division Police Commander SP Francis Okongo, the Monday morning operation acted on intelligence gathered from media reports. During the raid, officers seized a fuel tanker with registration number UA 988BT alongside numerous jerrycans containing 80 liters of diesel and 10 liters of petrol.

Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed that one suspect was caught red-handed delivering an employer’s vehicle to the illegal site. Authorities believe the operation involves a broader network of driver syndicates and black-market buyers operating within residential neighborhoods.

Law enforcement expressed grave concern over the safety risks associated with storing volatile petroleum products in densely populated areas. Officials warned that makeshift fuel dumps create severe fire hazards that threaten local lives and property.

The crackdown unfolds against a backdrop of soaring fuel prices in Uganda, where diesel retails around Shs7,290 and petrol hovers near Shs7,000 per liter. The high costs have been compounded by recent tax adjustments and international market fluctuations, placing intense financial pressure on motorists.

All 14 suspects remain in custody at Kabalagala Police Station as detectives expand their investigation to dismantle the entire network and identify affected organizations. Read more about this development on the Daily Monitor.