35 suspected criminals netted at Namugongo

Thirty five people were been arrested in a clamp down during Saturday's Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo.

Frank Mwesigwa, the Kampala Metropolitan Police commander, said the suspects are being held in connection with phone theft, being in possession of illegal drugs and substances like marijuana. Others are being held over drunkenness.

He said the suspects are currently being detained at several city Police stations pending prosecution. "They will appear in court on Monday," he said.

Police deployed 11,000 men and women working in collaboration with other security agencies at Namugongo.  

Security at the shrines was heightened and Police helicopters could be seen hovering over area.

According to Mwesigwa, over three million people attended the event, pushing the security boundaries to exceptional levels.

"We decided to close the gates as early as possible to avoid possible cases of stampede," said Mwesigwa, adding that giant screens were erected for people to watch proceedings from outside.

"Our patrol cars are escorting people to the main road (Kampala-Jinja Highway) to avoid any possible security threats," he said.

He added that unlike in the past, this year's event was better organised. He said ten toddlers separated from their parents were returned safely to their parents.

However, the elaborate security detail riled some residents who took to social media to complain.

"I have friends who reside opposite the shrine..they can't go outside their homes since Wednesday.. so they get forced leave," said @Deecesca on twitter.

By Friday, traffic in the surrounding areas of Namugongo was noticeably affected, with some people having to take longer routes to get to their destinations. This after Police restricted access to the area.