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Police have arrested 14 suspects in Kampala over an alleged fuel siphoning racket involving government and private institutional vehicles, recovering fuel containers, siphoning equipment and several vehicles during an operation in Kibuli.
The suspects were arrested on November 2 during a search and cordon operation conducted by Kampala Metropolitan Police through Kabalagala Police Division in Kitoro and Agip Zones, Kibuli Parish, Makindye Division. In a statement, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, said the operation targeted individuals suspected of illegally extracting fuel from motor vehicles and selling it to motorists.
Police recovered 192 jerrycans containing suspected fuel residues, 16 containers of suspected fuel and 24 fuel-siphoning tubes. Officers also impounded two motorcycles and three motor vehicles. The recovered exhibits and vehicles were taken to the police station, while samples of the suspected fuel were collected for forensic analysis to establish their composition and determine whether they had been contaminated.
The arrests follow media reports exposing an alleged scheme in which drivers reportedly took official vehicles to premises in Kibuli to have fuel drained from their tanks and sold to private buyers. The operation was prompted by intelligence gathered from media reports about vehicles being taken to hidden premises in the area for fuel siphoning. The operation was led by Kabalagala Division Police Commander SP Francis Okongo.
One suspect was arrested while allegedly bringing a vehicle belonging to his employer to the premises to have its fuel siphoned. Police said the practice involved both government and private institutional vehicles. Media reports also show that officers recovered about 20 litres of petrol and 80 litres of diesel at a washing bay in Kibuli, where the alleged siphoning and sale were taking place.
Police have also raised concerns about the safety risks associated with storing petroleum products in residential areas, warning that unregulated fuel storage could trigger fires and endanger lives and property. Owoyesigyire said the 14 suspects are being investigated for unlawful dealing in petroleum products. Police said investigations are continuing to establish the source of the fuel, the individual roles of the suspects and whether other people were involved in the alleged network.
By URN
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