Ten held as police, local leaders raid Mityana crime hotspots

Mityana, Uganda — Residents of Buswabulongo Cell had complained of a growing sense of insecurity, with burglaries, phone and handbag snatching, substance abuse and the carrying of machetes and knives becoming a concern.
The complaints triggered a police operation that has seen 10 people arrested in Buswabulongo Cell, Mityana Municipality.
The intelligence-led operation was conducted in the morning of Saturday, 5 September 2026, by police working with local leaders.
Police say the suspects were picked up from several areas identified as crime hotspots. The group comprises nine men and one woman.
“We shall continue carrying out these intelligence-led operations in areas that have been identified as crime hotspots in Mityana Municipality and the entire Mityana District,” said Lameck Kigozi, the Wamala Region police spokesperson.
The suspects were held at Mityana Central Police Station as investigators screen them to prepare their case files for possible prosecution.
The arrests come amid concerns from residents over a rise in burglary and theft, including the snatching of phones and handbags, as well as the movement of people carrying offensive weapons.
Police say the operation is part of wider efforts to disrupt criminal activity and restore security in Mityana Municipality and the wider Mityana District.
Kigozi said the police will maintain their resolve to fight crime and ensure that residents have a safe environment for social and economic activity.