45 suspects netted as police raid drug dens in Kakiri, Nansan

A total of 45 suspects have been arrested in separate intelligence-led operations conducted in Kakiri and Nansana policing divisions as police intensify crackdowns on crime and narcotics in the Kampala Metropolitan area.

The coordinated operations, carried out on March 17, 2026, targeted areas of Kikandwa and Nampunge in Kakiri subcounty, as well as several dark spots in Nansana division known for harbouring suspected criminals and drug users.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the operations were in response to public complaints about rising insecurity, particularly linked to opium smoking and street-level crimes.

“These were intelligence-led disruptive operations targeting hard-core criminals who have been terrorising communities, especially in areas identified as hotspots for narcotics consumption and theft,” Owoyesigyire said.

In Kakiri, police arrested 12 suspects following intelligence reports that certain individuals were behind criminal activities in the area.

Nansana crackdown

In a parallel operation in Nansana Division, 32 suspects were arrested during a crackdown commanded by ASP Mukose, the Officer in Charge of Operations, under the supervision of Division Police Commander SP Nsadha Antony.

Police said the operations specifically targeted dark spots associated with opium smoking, where several suspects were rounded up.

During the raids, officers recovered exhibits including sticks, unpacked opium and mobile phones suspected to have been stolen.

“One of the suspects, identified as Shafic Ssekisonge, also known as ‘Vibrator’, is a known serial offender linked to housebreaking and theft and was among those arrested,” Owoyesigyire added.

The suspects, whose identities have since been established, include Godfrey Kiiza, Akim Sali, Fred Karema, Moses Senabulya, Peter Sekunku, Monday Kizito, Layani Kazibwe, Godfrey Muzida, Fahadi Kanyike, Alex Mugumya, Moses Nsamba and Robert Kakoza from Kakiri.

Others arrested in Nansana include Rashid Mukasa, Lawrence Ssekinde, Charles Kizibwe, Jeremiah Kalema, Ceaser Kirumira, Gaster Lubuure, Hassan Mutyaba, Samuel Kikabi, Noah Kintu, Wahab Lubega, Brian Byaruhanga, Franklin Mugabi, Jordan Bansho, Isaac Mwesigye, David Kawesi, Hillary Namusimba, Derrick Nasimba, James Atalanyi, Mohamad Kaggwa, Andrew Kajubi, Frank Ngabi, Julius Masereka, Jimmy Ssenyonga, Rogers Kavuma, Steven Jumba, Joseph Nkumbwa, Keith Tamale, Vincent Bogere and Moses Damba, among others.

All suspects are currently detained at various police stations and have been charged with possession of narcotic substances under separate station diary references as investigations continue.

Owoyesigyire said police will sustain such operations across the metropolitan area to dismantle criminal networks and improve public safety.

“We shall continue conducting similar operations to rid communities of criminal elements and ensure the safety of the public,” he said.