Three arrested in Matugga crackdown on phone snatchers, drug users
“This was an intelligence-led operation targeting criminals who smoke opium and snatch phones and bags from unsuspecting members of the public,” Owoyesigyire said.Police later identified the suspects as Michael Ssebowa, 23; Umaru Mugerwa, 35; and Denis Akakwasa, 21.
Owoyesigyire said the trio is currently detained at Wattuba Police Station and has been charged, pending further investigations.
Police have arrested three suspects during an intelligence-led operation targeting criminals involved in phone snatching and drug abuse.
The operation, conducted on the evening of March 17, 2026, at Watindo washing bay in Wattuba, was jointly carried out by police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), targeting individuals linked to street crime and narcotic substance use.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, the crackdown focused on known hotspots where suspects have been terrorising members of the public.
“This was an intelligence-led operation targeting criminals who smoke opium and snatch phones and bags from unsuspecting members of the public,” Owoyesigyire said.
Police later identified the suspects as Michael Ssebowa, 23; Umaru Mugerwa, 35; and Denis Akakwasa, 21.
Owoyesigyire said the trio is currently detained at Wattuba Police Station and has been charged, pending further investigations.
“They were arrested from a known hotspot where such criminal activities have been reported. Operations of this nature will continue to ensure the safety of the public,” he added.
Authorities say similar operations will be sustained across the Kampala Metropolitan area to curb street crime and drug-related offences.