In a recent collaborative effort between the Flying Squad Unit, URA Enforcement, and Jinja police, a fuel tanker, identified by its registration numbers UBH 904U and UAT 093W, which was reported stolen on the Magamaga highway in Mayuge district, has been successfully recovered. The tanker, loaded with diesel en route from Kenya to Fort Portal, was intercepted by assailants on 23/10/2023, resulting in the theft of 34,000 litres of diesel and personal belongings from the driver, Odyek Douglas, and his assistant, Okello Emmanuel.
SCP Enanga Fred, the Police Spokesperson, revealed that the trailer was traced to Jinja City, where 33,500 litres of the stolen diesel had been offloaded at JAFRA Fuel station in Kubiri Kamuli road. Subsequently, law enforcement made significant progress by apprehending Ashaba Henry, the JAFRA petrol station manager, and Katono Anitah, a pump attendant, both implicated in the fuel theft.
The investigative team, in their pursuit, has apprehended additional suspects and recovered incriminating evidence including vehicle number plates, military-style digital uniforms, reflector jackets, and four caps associated with the criminal gang involved in the hijacking.
SCP Enanga Fred assured the public, particularly transporters using the Mbale-Iganga-Kampala highway, that rigorous efforts are underway to dismantle the entire criminal network that has been threatening their safety. He emphasized that the recent arrests signify the authorities’ unwavering determination to eliminate criminal activities within the transport sector.
The successful operation not only led to the recovery of the hijacked fuel but also the identification and capture of individuals involved in the organized theft, marking a significant step toward ensuring the security and integrity of transport operations in the region.
