At least 16 individuals have been arrested in Kampala for allegedly planning to disrupt the nomination proceedings of President Museveni, who on Saturday was officially nominated for the positions of NRM Chairman and Presidential Flag bearer.
The arrests were confirmed by Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SSP Patrick Onyango, who said the suspects were apprehended during a coordinated security operation around the city.
The operation was part of heightened deployments aimed at securing the high-profile political event at the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters on Kyadondo Road, Nakasero II parish.
According to police, the suspects were found in possession of substances believed to be opium at the time of arrest and were reportedly gathered with the intention of causing disturbances.
“During the event, 16 suspects were arrested for allegedly planning to disrupt the city and were found smoking opium,” Onyango said. “They are currently detained at CPS Kampala, and their files are being prepared.”
Security agencies had earlier conducted threat assessments and deployed multiple tactical units across Kampala.
These included visible foot and motorized patrols, as well as undercover officers positioned at critical locations. A quick response team was also on standby throughout the day.
Despite the arrests, police reported that the event concluded without major incident.
However, security organs remain on alert, with intelligence monitoring continuing in the wake of the incident.
“The event concluded without major incident, but intelligence monitoring continues,” Onyango added.
The heightened vigilance and increased police deployment follow an incident last week in which a group of thugs, disguised in yellow T-shirts, attacked and violently robbed people during President Museveni’s earlier nomination event. The victims were badly beaten in the process.
In response, security forces launched a swift operation that led to the arrest of over 30 suspects, including two women.
