KAMPALA, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) – Police in Kampala have arrested 196 suspects in a series of operations targeting crime hotspots across the metropolitan area, with authorities focusing on suspected drug abuse, street robberies and other criminal activities.
“The operations are part of our ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal activities, apprehend offenders and improve public safety across the Kampala metropolitan area,” said Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson.
The operations, conducted between October 21 and the early hours of October 22, resulted in arrests in Kabalagala, Katwe, Kira Road, Nansana and Nakawa, according to Kampala Metropolitan Police.
Katwe recorded the highest number of arrests, with 130 suspects picked up during overnight operations between midnight and 4:20am on Thursday.
The group comprised 76 men and 54 women arrested from identified crime hotspots in Busabala, Kosovo Zone in Salama Parish, Kategula Zone in Kibuye II Parish and Ndeeba.
Police said three other suspects: Muhammad Ali, Jovan Mukiibi and Simon Semwanga, were arrested in a related operation in Ndeeba after allegedly being found carrying two pangas concealed around their waists.
Other items recovered during the operations included suspected narcotic substances, a claw hammer and a pair of pliers. Police said screening and investigations were continuing.
In Kabalagala, 28 suspects were arrested on Wednesday in Maaso Ana Zone, Kansanga Parish, Makindye Division, in an operation targeting areas associated with alleged drug abuse, mugging and thuggery. Police said the suspects were being processed for court.
A separate operation in Kyebando and Baahi/Kikaaya led to the arrest of 14 suspects, who were detained at Kira Road Police Station as investigations continued.
In Nansana, police arrested Shakirah Babirye in Nabweru North Ward at about 6pm on Wednesday over allegations of selling marijuana and harbouring individuals linked to criminal activities.
Police said she allegedly resisted arrest and attacked an officer with a knife.
She has been charged with assaulting a police officer on duty and possession of suspected narcotic substances, including marijuana, as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, 12 suspects were arrested during an operation at Bengazi Village in Nakawa Market between 4pm and 6pm on Wednesday.
The exercise, conducted in collaboration with local defence and community vigilante teams, targeted suspected criminal hotspots within the market.
The suspects were taken to Jinja Road Police Station and charged with frequenting places where opium is smoked and public nuisance, police said.
Owoyesigyire said police would continue conducting targeted operations in areas identified as crime hotspots, while urging residents to share information that could help prevent criminal activity.
The latest arrests come amid continuing police efforts to tackle street crime and drug-related activities in urban communities. Police said investigations were ongoing and that all suspects would be handled in accordance with the law.
