Police have arrested more than 300 suspects in a crackdown on criminal gangs and suspected drug-related activities across the Kampala Metropolitan Area ahead of the festive season.
The suspects were arrested during intelligence-led and joint security operations conducted on October 28, 29 and 30, 2026, according to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala.
The operations targeted identified crime-prone areas and suspected criminal hideouts in several policing divisions, including Katwe, Kampala Central Police Station (CPS), Kabalagala, Wandegeya, Kira and Jinja Road.
Police said the crackdown focused on suspected criminal elements, particularly individuals allegedly involved in drug and substance abuse and other activities linked to criminal gangs and networks.
“ The coordinated operations, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, resulted in the arrest of more than 300 suspects and the recovery of several exhibits believed to be connected to criminal activities,” Kawala said in a statement.
Security personnel also recovered several items suspected to be linked to criminal activities, which police said would be used as exhibits in ongoing investigations.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue. They will undergo screening and other police procedures before being processed and presented before court in accordance with the law.
Kampala Metropolitan Police said the operations were part of intensified security measures to dismantle criminal gangs, disrupt their networks and prevent crime as the festive season approaches.
Police urged members of the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
The festive season typically brings increased public movement, shopping and entertainment activities across Kampala, prompting security agencies to step up crime-prevention operations.
