The Flying Squad Unit, in coordination with URA Enforcement and Jinja police, has carried out an operation in Jinja City and recovered a fuel tanker registration number UBH 904U and trailer registration number UAT 093W, loaded with diesel, that was robbed from Magamaga Highway in Mayuge district as it was heading to Fortpotal from Kenya.
According to a statement by Uganda Police spokesperson Fred Enanga, the victims, who include Odyek Douglas, a 39-year-old driver, and Okello Emmanuel, a 26-year-old turn-man, were on October 23, 2023, at around 9 p.m., intercepted by unknown assailants in a Toyota Wish at Wandhago village, Magamaga, along the Iganga-Kampa highway.
Enanga said that the fuel tanker with 34,000 litres of diesel destined for Fortportal was stolen, and personal belongings, including mobile phones, were robbed.
“They tracked down the trailer and recovered it at Mailo Mbili Jinja North Division. And found when the fuel had been offloaded at JAFRA Fuel Station in Kubiri Kamuli Road. The fuel totaling 33,500 litres of diesel was recovered,” Enanga explained.
He also revealed that so far, two suspects have been arrested, who include Ashaba Henry, the manager of JAFRA petrol station, and Katono Anitah, a pump attendant, who both allegedly participated in the theft of fuel.
“The Flying Squad Unit has arrested more suspects and recovered vehicle number plates, military-like digital uniforms, reflector jackets, and four caps,” Enanga stated.
On October 24, police in Jinja recovered another stolen fuel tanker registration number, UAU 402E, at Bukoyo Village, along the Iganga-Jinja highway.
Police have reassured all transporters of goods along the Mbale-Iganga-Kampala highway that efforts are in place to crack the entire criminal gang that has been terrorising them.
