Midweek Kampala security sweep nets over 200 suspected criminals
“In Old Kampala Division, a total of 60 suspects were arrested in areas of Namungoona, Nankulabye, and around the New Taxi Park and Mukwano Roundabout for having breaking implements, suspected narcotics and for attempting to commit felonies,” Owoyesigyire said.
On Wednesday, the Police said they had carried out operations in various divisions to crack down on criminal gangs and dismantle their networks.
KAMPALA - Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) say they have continued conducting co-ordinated operations across several divisions targeting criminal hideouts, drug abusers and habitual offenders who have been terrorising communities in urban and peri-urban areas.
KMP deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire on Thursday, November 6, 2025, said as a result of a midweek security sweep, 204 suspects were arrested during these operations and all suspects were undergoing screening and will be processed for prosecution in courts of law.
In Kajjansi Division, operations were carried out in Lweza B, Kilyamuli, Akright, and Kawotto, resulting in the arrest of 44 suspects involved in smoking marijuana, theft, and other acts of public nuisance. Two juveniles were also intercepted while attempting to break into a poultry house.
“In Old Kampala Division, a total of 60 suspects were arrested in areas of Namungoona, Nankulabye, and around the New Taxi Park and Mukwano Roundabout for having breaking implements, suspected narcotics and for attempting to commit felonies,” he said.
He revealed that in Kabalagala Division, 45 suspects were apprehended from Nsambya, Kimwanyi, and Kataba over narcotic drug possession and street mugging, while in Matugga Division, several suspects were arrested along the Matugga–Gulu Highway, Gombe, and Lwadda areas for phone and bag snatching, as well as drug use during evening traffic hours.
In Mukono District, Owoyesigyire said the Police carried out multiple operations across Goma and Central Divisions, “in Katwe–Bukerere, nine suspects were arrested. In Namanve Industrial Park, eight suspects were arrested, while in Kitega, Wantoni, Benghazi, and Kikooza, 30 suspects were arrested.”
In Kira Division, operations conducted in Nsasa and Bulindo led to the arrest of eight suspects with exhibits of suspected narcotics. 
Luke Owoyesigyire
Local leaders lauded
The Police commended the co-operation of local leaders and community members who continue to share information that aids in dismantling criminal networks.
On Wednesday, the Police said they had carried out operations in various divisions to crack down on criminal gangs and dismantle their networks.
KMP spokesperson Patrick Onyango said these operations targeted areas known for crime, such as phone and bag snatching, and opium use.
He noted that operations were successful, and the Police aim to continue with them to curtail criminal networks and maintain safety in the areas. Over 200 suspects were arrested.
Last week, Police carried out similar arrests where over 180 suspects in the KMP area were netted.
The operation comes amidst a surge in recent criminal activities involving armed machete thugs who are terrorising several parts of Kampala.
According to the Uganda Police Force's 2024 Annual Crime Report, KMP accounted for nearly 40% of all reported crimes despite being home to only about 3.5% of Uganda's population.
The report notes a recent overall decrease in crime nationwide, but violent crimes like robbery and homicide remain high in the capital. Specific crime trends include a 5% increase in robberies, a 1.9% increase in homicides, and a 46.5% surge in land-related crimes in 2024.