A major police crackdown on criminal hideouts across Kampala Metropolitan East and Mukono has led to the arrest of 40 suspects and the recovery of 16 motorcycles believed to be linked to theft operations.
The operation, conducted by Kampala Metropolitan East and Mukono territorial police, targeted several crime-prone areas in Kireka, Bweyogerere and Bukerere following intelligence reports on suspected criminal activities.
The most significant breakthrough came in Kireka Zone C, Namugongo Division, where police raided a suspected illegal motorcycle reassembly garage. Investigators believe the facility was being used by criminals to conceal, dismantle and reassemble stolen motorcycles before they were returned to the market.
During the raid, police arrested 12 adult male suspects and recovered 16 motorcycles whose ownership is still being verified.
The motorcycles were impounded and taken to Jinja Road Police Station as detectives continue investigations into a suspected vehicle theft syndicate.
In separate operations, police swooped on suspected criminal hotspots in Wellspring, Kakajjo and Kazinga Hassan Trabi zones in Kira Division, as well as Bukerere Village and neighbouring areas in Mukono District.
The raids targeted individuals suspected of involvement in street robberies and the abuse of narcotic substances.
Twenty-eight additional suspects, including three women, were arrested during the operations.
Police also recovered exhibits believed to be narcotic substances, which have been submitted for further examination.
All the suspects remain in custody pending processing and possible prosecution.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Luke Owoyesigyire said the operations are part of an ongoing effort to dismantle criminal networks, recover stolen property and enhance public safety across the metropolitan area.
Police have vowed to sustain intelligence-led operations against criminal elements as investigations into the recovered motorcycles and the arrested suspects continue.
