An old popular adage says a thief has forty days. In Kiira Region, those forty days have run out.
The saying is one of the oldest proverbs in African folklore. In full, it goes: “Every day is for the thief, one day is for the owner of the house.” The number forty does not mean exactly forty days. In Biblical, Islamic and African tradition, forty symbolizes a long, complete period of trial – like the forty days of the floods in Noah’s time or the forty days Jesus spent in the desert.
The proverb simply means a criminal can evade justice for a long time, but one day, the evidence, the community and the law catch up with him. Police investigators often quote it to mean every crime leaves a trace.
That is what happened in Kiira region where detectives have cracked a motorcycle theft syndicate operating in Jinja District, recovering 33 suspected stolen motorcycles and arresting three ringleaders in a joint intelligence-led operation.
The operation, conducted between 14th and 17th October 2026 in Buyengo Sub- County and Buyengo Town Council, was led by the DPC Kakira, SP Tai Ramathan.
According to a press release issued Monday 19th October,2026 by the Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson, SP James Mubi, the breakthrough is a result of intelligence dominance, community vigilance and inter-agency coordination.
He said the sustained crackdown on property-related crime is intended to protect livelihoods and support the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV) and Uganda Vision 2040, given the social and economic importance of motorcycles.
The release further indicates that in September 2026, 12 motorcycles were recovered in Buwenge Town Council, Butagaya Sub-county and Kagoma Town Council, with 19 suspects taken to court in an operation led by DPC Buwenge, SP Salama Namutosi.
SP Mubi says the RPC SSP Charles Nsaba has now directed all commanders to focus on area policing, which he described as a human rights-based, proactive approach that emphasizes prosecution-guided investigations and maintaining law and order without fear or favour.
Police Warning.
Police have warned all persons involved in motorcycle theft and robbery, and theft of other property, that their days are numbered. Nsaba says police have intensified intelligence and operations and no stone will be left unturned until all those who steal, rob and receive stolen motorcycles are brought to book.
He cautioned the public against buying motorcycles without proper documentation and verification at URA and police, warning that anyone found in possession of a suspected stolen motorcycle will be treated as a suspect under Section 314 of the Penal Code Act.
Advisory to Boda-Boda Riders.
Police have also urged boda-boda riders to remain alert and security-conscious at all times. Riders are advised to observe the body language of passengers, avoid carrying more than one passenger at night, avoid isolated and suspicious routes, and avoid operating in wrong hours, especially late at night in risky areas.
Riders should share their movement with colleagues or family, avoid stopping in dark spots, and report any suspicious passengers or deals to the nearest police station immediately.
Motorcycles Recovered.
The motorcycles recovered during the joint operations last week from Buyengo Town Council are now parked at Kakira Police Station. Owners are advised to report to CPS Kakira with proof of ownership for verification.
They include:UAM 946F – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UGB 286Q – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UMA 893J – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UGJ 795A – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UFJ 508U – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UAM 405J – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UGH 663M – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UMA 586C – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UMA 569C – Boxer Bajaj, Red
Numberless – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UMA 726C – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UEA 272Y – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UMA 421C – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UGG 699S – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UGF 180U – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UGG 506Y – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UGD 352T – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UMA 740G – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UFR 920B – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UGB 578G – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UFV 007K – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UEK 437D – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UGH 806F – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UGE 720Q – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UEK 202T – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UGB 066T – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UEO 898J – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UFC 417J – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UET 856B – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UGH 218N – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UFD 126A – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UGF 900U – Boxer Bajaj, Red
UMA 684C – Boxer Bajaj, Red
What The Law Says.
Under the Penal Code Act, theft under Section 254 and 261 attracts up to ten years imprisonment, receiving stolen property under Section 314 attracts up to seven years, while aggravated robbery involving violence against riders under Section 286(2) carries a death sentence upon conviction.
Police say operations are still ongoing.
