Police in Kampala have arrested a man popularly known as “Chicken Chicken” after a viral social media video allegedly captured him vandalising a vehicle belonging to another local figure known as “Shawa Shawa.”
According to the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, SP Rachel Kawala, the suspect, identified as Katongole Anthony alias “Chicken Chicken,” was arrested by police in Kawempe in connection with a case of malicious damage to property.
The arrest stems from an incident that reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Akamweesi Mall in Kawempe Division, Kampala District.
Police said the case came to light after a video circulated widely on social media platforms, allegedly showing the suspect damaging a Toyota Mark X registration number UBM 696S belonging to Sali Sharif, commonly known as “Shawa Shawa.”
Preliminary investigations indicate that at about 3:00 a.m., the suspect, together with several other individuals who are still on the run, allegedly attacked the parked vehicle and smashed its windscreens, causing extensive damage.
The incident sparked widespread discussion online, with users sharing footage purportedly showing the destruction of the vehicle and demanding action from law enforcement authorities.
In a statement issued on Thursday, police confirmed that Katongole had been taken into custody and that investigations into the matter were ongoing.
“The suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the other individuals believed to have participated in the incident,” SP Kawala said.
Police did not immediately disclose the motive behind the attack or whether the suspect and the vehicle owner were known to each other.
Investigators are now reviewing available evidence, including the viral video footage and witness statements, as they seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the roles played by all those involved.
The vandalism of vehicles is an offence under Uganda’s laws and can attract criminal charges, including malicious damage to property, depending on the findings of investigators.
Police used the opportunity to issue a stern warning against acts of mob justice, vandalism and destruction of property, saying perpetrators would be held accountable regardless of their status or popularity.
“Police strongly condemn all acts of lawlessness and wish to remind the public that such conduct will not be tolerated and that anyone found engaging in criminal acts will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Kawala said.
The arrest is expected to intensify public interest in the case, particularly because both the suspect and the complainant are known figures in Kampala’s social circles and have attracted significant attention online following the circulation of the footage.
As investigations continue, police say they are pursuing leads to track down the remaining suspects believed to have taken part in the attack on the vehicle.
Katongole remains in custody pending further inquiries and possible prosecution. No court appearance date had been announced by press time.
