Bottle collectors by day, robbers by night, among arrested in Kampala

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Ongoing Police operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the Kampala metropolitan area have led to the arrest of 31 suspects in targeted sweeps around the military barracks, Katwe, Kinyoro and Mangereza on Salama Road.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango says the operation focused on areas known for high incidences of drug abuse, brothels and youth-related crime, following persistent community complaints about bag snatching, assaults, and public disturbances.

“Thirty-one suspects, mostly youth, were apprehended in zones notorious for criminal activity. They have been charged with possession of narcotics and are currently detained as investigations continue,” Onyango said.

The arrests are part of a broader crackdown on criminal elements in the metropolitan area.

On July 1, this year, the Police conducted another early morning sweep in Kajjansi, arresting 48 suspects during a targeted operation led by intelligence.

“At about 3:30am, officers raided black spots in Muchanga, Kajjansi and Sanyu Brothel, arresting 18, 20 and 10 suspects respectively,” Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire.

He revealed that some of those arrested in Muchanga had been disguising themselves as bottle and dustbin collectors by day, only to commit robberies at night.

Housebreaking tools, including pliers, testers and knives, were recovered during the raid. The suspects, aged between 17 and 23, are detained at Bwebajja and Lubowa Police Stations.

In a related development, 14 suspects accused of participating in violent robberies during President Yoweri Museveni’s nomination rally on Saturday, June 28, were arraigned this morning before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at the Law Development Centre (LDC).

“These suspects, who were detained at Wandegeya Police Station, allegedly posed as NRM supporters by wearing yellow T-shirts to blend in with crowds and carry out coordinated attacks on members of the public,” Owoyesigyire said.

Onyango confirmed that a total of 30 suspects, including two women, were apprehended from various hideouts in Kampala in connection with the June 28 incidents.

“One suspect sustained injury while fleeing arrest. We are continuing to analyse CCTV footage to identify additional culprits,” Onyango added.

He urged victims who have not yet reported to police to come forward and assist with building stronger cases against the suspects, who now face charges including robbery, assault, and drug-related offences.