Kampala, Uganda — Police, in collaboration with other sister security agencies, have carried out a series of coordinated disruptive operations across several policing areas in a continued effort to crack down on rising criminality.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the operations targeted criminal hideouts and black spots associated with narcotics abuse, robberies, muggings and attacks on pedestrians.
In Bukerere and Namataba Town Council, a joint security operation conducted between the night of February 18 and 19, 2026, led to the arrest of 19 suspects. Police said the suspects were rounded up from identified black spots believed to be harbouring criminals involved in smoking narcotic substances, waylaying pedestrians and robbery.
Exhibits, including suspected narcotics, were recovered during the operation. The suspects are currently detained at Goma Police Station and Namataba Police Station pending prosecution.
Meanwhile, in Kisaasi and Kyanja under Kira Road Police Division, operations conducted on February 18 and 19, 2026 resulted in the arrest of seven suspects. Police recovered exhibits including pangas, a hammer, suspected stolen mobile phones, bags, national IDs, and rolls of marijuana.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue ahead of court action.
In Kabalagala, police said an operation targeting muggings and theft of vehicle side mirrors around Arena Mall, Mukwano Road and neighbouring areas led to the arrest of seven suspects. Authorities said the suspects have since been charged and detained pending prosecution.
A separate large-scale operation was also conducted in Nakulabye under Old Kampala Police Station, between 12:01 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on February 18, 2026. The joint security team arrested 110 suspects, including 40 women and 70 men, following public complaints about increased robberies, phone snatching and drug abuse in the area.
Police said exhibits including suspected narcotic substances and knives were recovered during the sweep. The suspects have since been charged and are pending court proceedings.
ASP Owoyesigyire said police remain committed to sustaining such coordinated operations to eliminate criminal elements and ensure public safety.
