Police have arrested 14 suspects in Kibuli, Kampala, during an operation targeting the alleged theft and illegal sale of fuel siphoned from government vehicles.
The suspects were arrested at a washing bay during an intelligence-led operation conducted by officers from Kabalagala Police Division under the command of Division Police Commander Francis Okongo.
Police recovered 20 litres of petrol and 80 litres of diesel suspected to have been extracted from government vehicles. Several other vehicles were reportedly found at the scene, allegedly waiting to transport the fuel for distribution and sale.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire confirmed the arrests, saying investigations were underway to establish how the fuel was obtained and identify everyone involved in the suspected racket.
He warned that police would pursue not only those stealing government fuel but also individuals buying, transporting or selling petroleum products suspected to have been illegally obtained.
The suspects remain in police custody as detectives investigate their individual roles, the source of the recovered fuel and whether other people or businesses are connected to the alleged network.
Police have also urged fuel dealers, motorists and business operators to avoid purchasing petroleum products whose source cannot be verified.
