Police in the Kampala Metropolitan area have carried out a series of operations targeting criminal elements involved in phone snatching, drug abuse, robberies, and other related crimes across several divisions.
The operations were conducted in Wandegeya, Kira Road, Nansana, Kirinya, and Jinja Road policing areas following intelligence reports and public concerns over rising criminal activity in identified hotspots.
During an operation in Old Mulago and Lower Nsoba under Wandegeya Police Division, 16 suspects were arrested for wandering with intent to commit a crime. The suspects were found loitering late at night, with some unable to properly identify themselves, while others were reportedly involved in drug abuse and gambling.
In a separate operation conducted along Mawanda Road and Kamwokya under Kira Road Police Division, eight suspects believed to be involved in phone snatching and drug abuse were arrested from known blackspots.
Similarly, in Nansana Police Division, an operation targeting suspected hardened criminals led to the arrest of 10 male suspects who were found in possession of suspected narcotics. The suspects have since been charged, and investigations are ongoing.
In Kirinya and surrounding areas, including Kito A, Kito B, Namataba, and Kirinya Main, another operation targeting criminals involved in bag snatching, assaults on members of the public, house break-ins, and burglaries resulted in the arrest of eight suspects who were also found in possession of suspected narcotics. The recovered exhibits have been handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for further management.
Meanwhile, police also foiled a suspected aggravated robbery targeting a mobile money operator in Bugolobi. The suspect, who was armed with a gun concealed in a polythene bag, fled on a motorcycle after the attempted robbery failed. Boda boda riders pursued the suspect and alerted police patrol teams along Old Port Bell Road.
Upon noticing approaching police officers, the suspects abandoned the firearm and escaped. The gun, which was loaded with four rounds of ammunition, was recovered near the Ministry of Internal Affairs and secured as an exhibit.
A scene of crime team examined the area, and investigations are ongoing to identify the suspects and the motorcycle used in the incident.
In total, 42 suspects arrested during the various operations are currently undergoing screening, investigation, and documentation before being arraigned in court.
ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Public Relations Officer, Kampala Metropolitan Police said such operations will continue across the Kampala Metropolitan area as part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks and enhance public safety.
