In a major citywide operation aimed at dismantling criminal gangs and restoring public safety, the Kampala Metropolitan Police conducted a series of coordinated night raids across several divisions between November 3 and 4, 2025.
The jo
int security operations, supported by the army, local defense units, and community leaders, targeted notorious black spots known for phone snatching, bag thefts, robberies, and opium use.
Patrick Onyangp, the Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, said the operations are part of a sustained effort to dismantle criminal networks and eliminate hotspots that harbor repeat offenders.
Between 8:30pm and 2:00am, police teams stormed areas of Wagaba Zone (Rubaga Parish), Owino, Kisenyi, Musajjalumbwa, Usafi, and Kafumbe Mukasa.
The joint covert and overt operation targeted known thugs who rob pedestrians and shop owners in Rubaga and Kisenyi.
Seventy-five suspects were arrested and detained at Old Kampala Police Station, Usafi Police Station, Owino Police Post, and Kafumbe Mukasa Police Post.
They are facing charges including possession of dangerous weapons, being in premises with intent to commit a felony, and possession of opium.
A disruptive operation was carried out on November 4, 2025, in Ntinda area, targeting gangs that attack residents along the bypass and opium-smoking hideouts.
Thirteen suspects were arrested and are being held at Kira Road Police Division.
Police said the crackdown will continue with the same intensity to eliminate criminal elements from the area.
In Bweyogerere Central Zone, police arrested seven suspects linked to opium dealing and criminal plotting along the Northern Bypass. Exhibits of opium were recovered.
Another operation in Kitikutwe and Kungu Zones, Kira Municipality, led to the arrest of twelve suspects and recovery of rolled and unrolled opium and a panga suspected to be used in robberies.
The suspects face charges of possession of narcotic drugs and are awaiting court processing.
Onyango noted that following public complaints about gang violence, phone snatching, and burglaries, Nansana Police Division launched an intelligence-led operation on November 3, 2025, in Nabweru, Kiwogo, and Ganda.
Thirty-four suspects were arrested in possession of narcotic substances, including opium and marijuana.
Police believe the suspects were part of criminal groups that commit simple robberies and assaults after drug use.
The exhibits were handed over to Lubigi Police Station, where the suspects remain detained.
In the early hours of November 4, 2025, police, in coordination with local defense units, raided Katoogo and Kago in Kinawataka, Mbuya I Parish, Nakawa Division.
Sixteen male suspects were arrested from a known den where they allegedly smoked opium and planned robberies.
The suspects were charged with public nuisance, and police pledged to maintain regular disruptive patrols in the area.
Between 7:00 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., a special operation targeted black spots in Bweya, Jjanyi, and Kitende A—areas identified by intelligence as hubs for phone and bag snatchers.
Twenty-one suspects were arrested, and police recovered: 289 sticks of marijuana, 8 bross papers used for folding marijuana, 1 folding stick, Marijuana seeds and stems and shs35,800 believed to be proceeds from drug sales
Police said many of the suspects are habitual offenders who operate in groups and under the influence of drugs.
Police spokesperson SSP Patrick Onyango said the simultaneous operations were a success and form part of a broader strategy to curb rising urban crime.
“We are determined to dismantle criminal networks, close down black spots, and ensure safety for all residents,” SSP Onyango stated.
He added that similar intelligence-led operations will continue across the metropolitan area to disrupt gang activity and restore public order.
