Police have arrested 40 suspects in a night-time operation targeting criminal activity in parts of Kampala, while separately investigating the alleged aggravated torture of a four-year-old boy in Wakiso.
The Kampala Metropolitan Police South operation was carried out on Monday evening, August 24, between 6pm and 10pm in Kibuli, Kabalagala and Kisugu, areas police had identified as crime hotspots.
The operation, conducted jointly with Tokora officers, was aimed at preventing thuggery, mugging and other forms of criminality.
Police said the 40 suspects arrested are undergoing screening, while one of them, identified as Hamis Fairuzi, was wanted in connection with a case of aggravated robbery.
Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said the operations would continue across the policing area as police step up efforts to disrupt criminal activity and improve public safety.
Meanwhile, police in Wakiso are investigating the alleged aggravated torture of a four-year-old boy who suffered severe burns in circumstances that remain under investigation.
The case was reported on August 24 by a resident of Buloba Village in Buloba Parish, Wakiso Sub-county, who told police that the child had allegedly been severely burnt at Ssala Village in Kavumba Parish, Wakiso Town Council.
Preliminary police findings indicate that the boy had been staying with his aunt when he sustained the injuries on August 18.
The aunt reportedly told police that the child was accidentally burnt after hot water from a kettle fell on him.
However, police said the circumstances surrounding the injuries are being investigated. The aunt was arrested as detectives began inquiries into what happened.
The child is receiving treatment at Janat Medical Centre, while police have recorded statements from both the complainant and the suspect.
Owoyesigyire said investigations into the incident are ongoing as police seek to establish the circumstances that led to the boy’s injuries.
The two cases form part of ongoing police efforts in the Kampala metropolitan area to tackle street crime while responding to allegations of serious violence against vulnerable people.
