Over 2,000 suspects arraigned before court as security crackdown intensifies

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At least 2,056 suspects arrested in the ongoing nationwide security crackdown have been arraigned before court out of the 3,132 suspects detained over the past three weeks.

Security agencies launched co-ordinated operations on February 16, 2026, following a public uproar over a surge in violent crime, robberies and drug-related offences across the country.

Addressing the media on March 2, 2026, at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said operations are still ongoing and will be intensified.

“Between February 25 and 28 alone, we conducted more than 47 disruptive operations nationwide, netting 1,185 suspects. These figures may even rise as more reports continue to come in,” Kituuma said.

He explained that the operations covered the Kampala Metropolitan area and several other policing regions countrywide.

In Kampala Metropolitan East, Police conducted over 60 operations in areas including Kamwokya, Kinawataka and Kireka. In Kampala Metropolitan North, operations targeted the Central Business District under Old Kampala, Nansana, and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Security teams also carried out raids in parts of Kampala Metropolitan South, including Kabalagala, Kajjansi, Entebbe, and areas under the Central Police Station, Kampala.

Operations were equally extended to western Uganda and other upcountry regions, targeting suspected criminal gangs, drug dealers and repeat offenders.

“So far in February, the total number of suspects arrested stands at 3,132. Out of these, 2,056 have already been taken to court. The rest are still under investigation,” Kituuma said.

He emphasised that the crackdown is aimed at restoring safety in neighbourhoods and curbing drug consumption, which police say is fueling criminal activity.

“These criminals need more than enforcement operations, but enforcement remains critical as other government interventions come in,” he added.

Kituuma called on the public to co-operate with security agencies by sharing intelligence on emerging crime hotspots.

“We require your information and intelligence input. The fight against crime cannot be won by police alone,” he said.

He cited a recent incident in Kabuusu near a Total petrol station where suspects were arrested following a timely alert from a private security officer who noticed suspicious movements involving a vehicle that had dropped off two men near the facility.

The spokesperson urged members of the public to remain vigilant and proactive in confronting crime, noting that community action has previously led to successful arrests of armed suspects.

“These operations shall continue to ensure our neighbourhoods are safe,” he said.