Police arrest 70 in intelligence-led crime operations across Kampala Metropolitan

Police have arrested at least 70 suspects in a series of intelligence-led operations conducted across Mukono, Wakiso, Kira and along Jinja Road, targeting suspected criminal activity, narcotics and public nuisance.
The operations, conducted between August 12 and 13, 2026, focused on identified crime-prone areas where police said individuals were allegedly involved in activities ranging from drug use and robbery to phone snatching and disruption of traffic-light areas.
“The operations are aimed at preventing crime, disrupting criminal networks and maintaining law and order while ensuring that all police activities are conducted professionally and in accordance with the law,” said Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police.
In Mukono Central Division, police on August 12 conducted an operation in Kikoza Village, Namumira Ward and surrounding areas following intelligence about a suspected crime hotspot. Ten suspects were arrested after they were allegedly found in possession of or smoking suspected narcotic substances. Police said the suspects were taken to Mukono Police Station for screening and further investigations.
In Wakiso, another operation targeting suspected criminal activity and public nuisance was conducted in Kyoga, Kisimbiri and Wakiso Town. Police arrested 34 suspects, who were charged with public nuisance and are undergoing screening before further processing for prosecution.
A further 15 suspects were arrested during an operation in Kitukutwe, Bulindo, Katuli, Kiwologoma and Buwate in Kira Municipality. Police said the operation targeted individuals suspected of frequenting places where narcotic substances are smoked and where criminal activities are allegedly planned. Suspected narcotic substances were recovered and the suspects remain detained at Kira Police Station as investigations continue.
Along Jinja Road, police conducted a separate operation on August 13 between 8am and 10am at Spear Motors, Lugogo and Nakawa traffic lights. The operation targeted individuals allegedly involved in activities that cause public nuisance and interfere with the orderly use of traffic-light areas. Eleven suspects were arrested, taken to Jinja Road Police Station and subsequently arraigned before court.
Owoyesigyire said the operations were supported by information from members of the public, urging residents to continue sharing information on suspected criminal activity.
“Police commends members of the public who continue to provide information that supports operations,” he said, adding that similar operations will continue in identified crime-prone areas.
Police said the suspects arrested during the operations remain subject to screening and investigations, with those found culpable expected to face prosecution in accordance with the law.