KAMPALA (UGNEWSLINE) — Police have arrested 93 people, including four women, in an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected criminal activity along the Northern Bypass and surrounding areas of Busega and Kyengera.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday, October 7, between 7pm and 11pm, focused on locations identified by police intelligence as potential hideouts for suspected criminals during evening traffic congestion. Police said the suspects were allegedly taking advantage of slowed traffic and congested sections of the road to target members of the public.
The sweep extended beyond the main bypass to Busega Fish Market, nearby cinema halls, the swamp beyond the Mityana Road Flyover towards Bulenga, and other identified locations within Kigwanya Zone in Kampala District.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said the operation was based on intelligence gathered over suspected criminal activity in the targeted areas.
“The operation was conducted following information regarding suspected criminal activities along the Northern Bypass, particularly around Busega and Kyengera Flyover, with the aim of addressing criminal activity during the evening traffic hours,” Kawala said.
During the operation, police said a preliminary search of the suspects led to the recovery of several exhibits, including substances suspected to be opium, suspected stolen mobile phones and two knives.
The arrests and recoveries are expected to form part of ongoing investigations as police work to establish the identities of the suspects, determine the circumstances surrounding the recovered items and establish whether any of those arrested are linked to reported offences in the area.
Police said all the suspects and recovered exhibits have been taken up for further processing and investigation in accordance with the law.
The operation comes amid continued police efforts to disrupt suspected criminal activity around busy transport corridors and areas where congestion, according to police intelligence, can create opportunities for offenders to target members of the public.
