Iganga Police: Arrest Musenze Kuzegera, Recover Stolen Motorcycles

• Iganga police arrested Arafat Musenze, 32, and Joshua Kuzegera, 57, recovering four motorcycles and numerous dismantled parts.
• The arrests followed intelligence received on August 26, 2026, from the Iganga Municipality Boda-boda Association regarding a suspected second-hand motorcycle dealer.
• The suspects face Uganda possession stolen property charges, with preliminary findings indicating they bought motorcycles from brokers without proper documentation since 2014.
• Busoga East Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha highlighted a recovered motorcycle, UDL 920P, which was falsely reported stolen due to a payment dispute between the original seller and buyer.
• Police have warned second-hand dealers to ensure all purchases are supported by proper ownership documents to avoid legal issues and handling suspected stolen property.

This incident underscores the significant legal risks for second-hand motorcycle dealers in Uganda regarding due diligence on ownership.

Iganga police recently apprehended two individuals, Arafat Musenze and Joshua Kuzegera, following an intelligence-led operation that led to the recovery of four motorcycles and a significant quantity of dismantled parts. The arrests, which occurred in Iganga District, targeted a suspected dealer in second-hand motorcycles operating without proper ownership documentation. Musenze, 32, is a resident of Lwerera Village, Nawanyingi Sub-county, while Kuzegera, 57, is identified as a motorcycle dealer from Bukoyo Village, Bulamagi Sub-county.

The operation was initiated after information was received on August 26, 2026, from concerned members of the public and leaders of the Iganga Municipality Boda-boda Association. This Boda-boda Association intelligence in Iganga proved crucial in identifying the alleged illicit activities. Among the recovered items were four complete motorcycles, specifically registered as UDL 920P, UEC 298T, and UDH 668H, alongside an unregistered blue motorcycle.

Further searches yielded an extensive collection of assorted dismantled motorcycle components, including 22 front shock absorbers, six engine blocks, and 13 engine housings. Additionally, sprocket seats and carburetors were found. The authorities also seized a number plate bearing registration UDR 173Z, four logbooks, and multiple sale agreements, all indicative of a broader operation involving second-hand vehicles.

The two suspects are currently detained at Iganga Central Police Station, facing suspicion of possessing stolen property, recorded under Iganga SD Ref 94/26/08/2026. This incident underscores the significant legal risks for second-hand motorcycle dealers in Uganda regarding due diligence on ownership. Preliminary findings suggest that Musenze and Kuzegera had been involved in dealing second-hand motorcycles since 2014. They reportedly informed police that they acquired these motorcycles from brokers in Tororo, often without obtaining proper documentation, a practice that directly contributes to potential Uganda possession stolen property charges.

Busoga East Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha highlighted a specific case involving one of the recovered motorcycles, UDL 920P. This vehicle had been legitimately sold on installment to a buyer named Isa Mulindwa. However, it was subsequently reported as stolen at Nakalama Police Station due to a payment dispute between the original seller and buyer, illustrating how legitimate transactions can become entangled in false theft reports and complicate the legal landscape for subsequent owners.

In light of these findings, police have issued a stern warning to all dealers in second-hand motorcycles. They are urged to ensure that every purchase is supported by verifiable ownership documents and to refrain from handling any property suspected of being stolen. This guidance aims to prevent dealers from inadvertently becoming complicit in motorcycle theft under Uganda law and facing severe penalties.

Investigations into the matter are actively continuing, with authorities focused on verifying the authenticity of the recovered logbooks and extending searches to other potential premises linked to the suspects. The Iganga police arrest of Musenze and Kuzegera for allegedly dealing in stolen motorcycles was significantly aided by community cooperation.

ASP Michael Kasadha expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Boda-boda Association and members of the public for providing the crucial information that facilitated these arrests. This collaboration highlights the vital role community intelligence plays in combating criminal activities like motorcycle theft. Police are also appealing to individuals who have lost motorcycles to report to Iganga Central Police Station, which will assist in the verification process for the recovered vehicles and parts.

The suspects are expected to be presented in court once all investigations are concluded, where they will formally face the Uganda possession stolen property charges. This case serves as a critical reminder for second-hand motorcycle dealers to implement stringent verification processes for all purchases to avoid legal entanglements and ensure compliance with motorcycle theft Uganda law.

This incident highlights the significant legal risks for second-hand motorcycle dealers in Uganda regarding due diligence on ownership. Lawyers should advise clients in this sector to implement stringent verification processes for all purchases to avoid charges of possessing stolen property, and be aware of potential disputes that could lead to false theft reports.

Source: Reporting based on original coverage by Nile Post.