Police arrest over 70 suspected criminals in Lugazi after wave of morning attacks

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At least 76 suspected criminals have been arrested in Lugazi town following a wave of targeted attacks on residents and business owners.

The arrests, according to a Tuesday, September 23, 2025, statement, came after community members raised alarms over thugs who had been ambushing people on their way to work in the mornings.

In response, security teams mounted operations that led to the apprehension of suspects believed to have direct knowledge of the attacks.

According to Ssezibwa region Police commander Jaffar Magyezi, all 76 suspects are currently being held at Lugazi Police Station.

He revealed that by Tuesday morning, September 23, detectives had lined up 20 of them for home searches in a bid to recover evidence, while the rest were undergoing statement recording and preparation for identification parades.

“For the past month, residents have reported a number of robberies in which thugs armed with firearms targeted workers and business people in the early hours,” police said, adding that operations will continue until safety and confidence are restored in Lugazi.

A total of 8,163 cases of robberies were reported to the Police countrywide in 2024, compared to 7,772 cases reported in 2023, giving a 5% increase in this crime category.

Cases of robberies where lethal weapons were not used were 5,047 cases, while cases of aggravated robberies where lethal weapons like firearms, knives, hammers and machetes were used were 3,116 cases.

By the end of 2024, out of the total cases of robberies reported to Police, 2,898 cases were taken to court, 1,263 were not proceeded with, while 4002 cases are still under inquiry. Out of the total cases taken to court, 465 cases secured convictions, 49 cases were acquitted, 368 cases were dismissed, while 2,016 cases are still pending in Court.