Stolen Vehicles from UK Recovered in Uganda through URA, Interpol Operation

A recent joint operation between the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and Interpol successfully recovered stolen vehicles from the United Kingdom in Uganda. On July 23, acting on intelligence from the non-intrusive inspection team, the authorities verified a container containing two 2020 Toyota RAV4s with fabricated chassis numbers.

Mose Wanjalo, the former Head of the Joint Port Control Unit, stated that the vehicles are currently held at DAKS Courier’s Bond in Mukono, as investigations continue to apprehend the suspects.

"We received intelligence reports about a container originating from the Port of London Gateway, destined for Kampala. Once the container arrived, we collaborated with Interpol and discovered two vehicles with fabricated chassis numbers placed over the originals," Wanjalo said.

He also mentioned that the vehicles had been shipped using false log books.

Interpol Officer SCP Obwona Joseph explained that the origin of the stolen vehicles was identified through digital checks.

"We searched the INTERPOL i24/7 Data System for reported stolen motor vehicles and found the original chassis numbers of the two vehicles, which had been reported stolen in the UK," Obwona explained.

He emphasised that the joint operation highlights the effectiveness of collaboration between national authorities and international organisations in combating vehicle-related crime and ensuring public safety.

In November 2021, an Observer headline read, "Uganda haven for stolen cars." The report indicated that Uganda was a prime destination for many stolen high-value sports utility vehicles, primarily from Europe.

According to a BBC report, "Hundreds of thousands of cars are brought in and out of Southampton docks every year, and police say stolen vehicles being shipped out for sale in Africa is a major problem for the UK."

Wanjalo noted that illegal activities, such as importing stolen motor vehicles into Uganda, tarnish the country’s image.