At least 60 suspects have been arrested in a major security operation targeting street crime, house break-ins, robberies and drug-related offences across the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
The coordinated operations, conducted on the nights of July 7 and 8, targeted identified crime hotspots in Kiwempe and Kibati in Kansanga, Mutungo Zone 1 (Kunya) in Nakawa Division, as well as Bajjo and Ntinda in Seeta, Mukono District.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Luke Owoyesigyire, the operations were conducted jointly with other security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and enhance public safety.
“Kampala Metropolitan Police, in coordination with other security agencies, has continued conducting disruptive operations targeting criminal hideouts and identified black spots to curb street crime, house break-ins, robberies and drug-related offences,” Owoyesigyire said in a statement.
Police said 30 suspects were arrested in areas under Kabalagala Police Division after security teams raided a location allegedly being used to plan criminal activities. The operation followed persistent complaints from residents about house break-ins and simple robberies in Kiwempe, Kibati and the surrounding neighbourhoods.
The suspects have been charged with being a public nuisance and are currently undergoing screening to distinguish innocent individuals from those suspected of involvement in criminal activities.
In Seeta, Mukono District, another 22 suspects were arrested during operations targeting identified criminal hotspots in Bajjo and Ntinda villages. Police said some of the suspects were found in possession of suspected opium and have since been charged with drug-related offences.
Preliminary investigations indicate that several of those arrested in Seeta are linked to phone snatching, robberies and drug abuse.
Meanwhile, eight male suspects were arrested during a separate operation in Mutungo Zone 1 (Kunya) in Nakawa Division. Police said the suspects were rounded up from known criminal hideouts associated with drug abuse and robbery. They remain in police custody pending prosecution.
Owoyesigyire said the joint security operations will continue as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle criminal gangs, strengthen security and protect residents from crime.
He also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support law enforcement efforts.
“We urge members of the public to continue sharing timely and credible information to support crime prevention and law enforcement efforts,” Owoyesigyire said.
