Uganda remains secure amid heightened post-election crime concerns

_________________

OPINION

By Carolyne Muyama

Security agencies have detained several suspects connected to recent violent crimes in Kampala and nearby areas.

Major General Chris Damulira, the Police Director of Crime Intelligence, confirmed that individuals involved in robbery and murder cases are now in custody.

Police have also seized illegal firearms, including four submachine guns believed to have been used in at least 30 armed robberies and 12 murder cases.

These developments send a clear message that security agencies are actively targeting criminal networks and disrupting their operations.

In recent weeks, however, a series of incidents has increased public anxiety. Reports of daytime muggings in traffic, handbag and mobile phone snatchings, vehicle vandalism, and assaults have circulated widely.

In early February 2026, a double murder occurred at a hotel in Lungujja Parish in Rubaga Division. A manager and a private security guard were fatally stabbed during a suspected robbery. Police arrested a key suspect and recovered a vehicle believed to have been used in the crime.

In the same month, a senior staff member at Uganda Christian University was killed in her home in Mukono. Police confirmed the arrest of a leading suspect in that case as well, and investigations are ongoing.

These incidents naturally raised public concern and questions about whether crime is spiraling out of control. Some members of the public have linked the rise in reported cases to the recently concluded general elections and what they describe as weakened community policing structures.

However, official crime data paints a more balanced picture. According to police crime reports, overall crime nationwide decreased slightly in 2024 compared to the previous year. Kampala Metropolitan divisions continue to report some of the highest numbers of cases, mainly due to high population density and economic activity. But the data does not indicate a collapse in national security.

It is also important to recognise that high-profile crimes tend to attract widespread attention on social media. When incidents are shared repeatedly and in real time, public perception can change quickly. This does not lessen the seriousness of the crimes. It simply indicates that visibility is greater. Meanwhile, business centres, residential neighbourhoods, and tourist spots across Kampala continue to function normally.

Security agencies have actively responded. Police have increased patrols in known crime areas, especially at night. Intelligence-led operations have expanded to target organised gangs. The Criminal Investigations Directorate has prioritised violent crime cases to ensure quicker investigation and prosecution. CCTV systems continue to play a vital role in identifying suspects and gathering evidence.

The recent reshuffle of Kampala Metropolitan Police commanders shows that leadership is taking the situation seriously. Changes in command structures aim to improve coordination and rebuild public trust.

Address speculation that criminal gangs operate with impunity or support from rogue security groups with facts. The recovery of weapons and arrest of suspects involved in multiple robberies and murders indicate that criminal networks are being dismantled, not protected.

Uganda has encountered more serious security challenges before and has successfully dealt with them. Although the current situation is concerning, it is being addressed through active measures rather than silence.

Enforcement alone cannot eradicate crime. Factors like unemployment, poverty, substance abuse, peer pressure, and family instability contribute to it. Rapid urban growth has attracted many young people to Kampala seeking opportunity. When their expectations aren't met, their risk of being recruited into crime increases.

The government has therefore combined enforcement with prevention. Programs such as the Youth Livelihood Programme, Emyooga, Skilling Uganda, innovation hubs, and expanded market infrastructure are designed to integrate young people into productive economic activities. These initiatives aim to reduce the conditions that criminal networks exploit.

Security is ultimately a shared responsibility. Citizens are encouraged to stay vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement, and report suspicious activity through official channels. Police have identified certain black spots within the city, and the public is advised to exercise caution in those areas.

The recent arrests, weapon recoveries, and operational changes show that the government remains in control of the security situation. While isolated criminal acts have raised understandable concerns, the institutions responsible for law enforcement are functioning effectively and responding appropriately.

Kampala is not descending into chaos. The security system remains active, adaptable, and dedicated to safeguarding lives and property.

The writer works with Uganda Media Centre