19  arrested in Kira Division as police crack down on criminal gangs

WAKISO - Police on Sunday (December 7) said they had carried out a crackdown in Bweyogerere, Kira Division in Wakiso district, arresting a total of 19 suspected criminals accused of harassing residents.

Luke Owoyesigyire of the Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) said: "The territorial police in KMP East – Kira Division conducted an operation in Kazinga, Hassan Tourabi, Bweyogerere, following public outcry over suspected criminals involved in opium smoking, assaulting women heading to markets, and indecent activities at night." 

He revealed that during the operation, 16 suspects were arrested and several rolls of opium recovered.

"They are being processed on charges of possessing narcotic substances," Owoyesigyire added.

He also said, "In a related operation targeting phone snatchers in Kitalanga, Kasanga parish, police riders arrested three suspects found with a new iPhone and sticks of marijuana. The operations were successful and will continue to curb crime within the division."

The operation follows a similar one conducted on December 5, 2025, during which police arrested a group of criminals who had been violently snatching phones from motorists and passengers along the Northern Bypass, particularly during heavy traffic hours.

During that operation, police officers arrested 25 suspects who were caught in the act, grabbing phones from victims stuck in traffic around the Double Q area.

Owoyesigyire said eight motorcycles used by the suspects to commit the crimes were impounded.

"Several witnesses have already recorded statements, and video footage capturing the suspects in action has been obtained to support the investigations and subsequent prosecution. All suspects are currently detained at Nateete Police Division," he said.

He assured the public that deployments during traffic jam hours will continue, especially as the festive season approaches, to curb these criminal activities and ensure public safety.