In a significant operation aimed at curbing crime in Kampala and surrounding areas, Ugandan police have apprehended 196 suspects. The arrests were made during coordinated operations conducted on October 21 and 22, 2026, in various crime-ridden areas. Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire disclosed that the operations targeted areas associated with mugging, thuggery, and drug abuse. The arrests were made in Kabalagala, Katwe, Kira Road, Nansana, and Nakawa.
The operation in Kabalagala resulted in the arrest of 28 suspects on October 21 in Maaso Ana Zone, Kansanga Parish, Makindye Division. According to Owoyesigyire, these individuals were allegedly found abusing or possessing suspected narcotic substances and are being processed for court. In a related development, 130 suspects, comprising 76 men and 54 women, were arrested in Katwe during operations conducted between midnight and 4:20 a.m. on Thursday. The arrests were made in Busabala, Kosovo Zone in Salama Parish, Kategula Zone in Kibuye II Parish, and Ndeeba.
The Katwe operation also led to the arrest of three additional suspects, Muhammad Ali, Mukiibi Jovan, and Semwanga Simon, in Ndeeba. They were found with two pangas concealed around their waists. Police recovered suspected narcotic substances, a claw hammer, and a pair of pliers. Owoyesigyire stated that screening and investigations are ongoing to establish the suspects' involvement in criminal activities.
Further operations were conducted in other areas, resulting in the arrest of 14 suspects in Kyebando and Bahai/Kikaaya by Kira Road Police on Wednesday. These areas are associated with drug abuse and other criminal activities. The police targeted individuals suspected of engaging in narcotics-related offenses and other crimes.
In Nansana, police arrested Babirye Shakirah in Nabweru North Ward at about 6 p.m. on Wednesday. She is suspected of marijuana dealing and allegations of harbouring individuals linked to criminal activities. Owoyesigyire noted that she resisted arrest and assaulted a police officer with a knife. Babirye has been charged with assaulting a police officer on duty and possession of suspected narcotic substances identified as marijuana.
The Nakawa operation resulted in the arrest of 12 suspects during an operation conducted between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesday in Bengazi Village, Nakawa Market. The operation involved police, local defence personnel, and community vigilante teams. The suspects were taken to Jinja Road Police Station and charged with frequenting places where opium is smoked and public nuisance.
Owoyesigyire emphasized that police would continue conducting targeted operations in identified crime hotspots to disrupt criminal activities and improve public safety. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected criminal activities to the nearest police station or through established police communication channels. The public's cooperation is seen as crucial in the fight against crime.
Key points
- 196 suspects arrested in two-day operation across Kampala and surrounding areas.
- Operations targeted areas associated with mugging, thuggery, and drug abuse.
- Police recovered suspected narcotics, pangas, and other items linked to criminal activities.
