Police arrest 400 in new security swoop in the city

CRIME

Kampala Metropolitan Police have arrested a total of 424 people in an impromptu swoop in the city.

The Police said the arrests followed a major operation on Wednesday in the city, which was intended to get rid of suspected criminals.

The operation was targeting criminals that have been snatching phones, handbags, necklaces and committing other crimes, Police said.

It was carried out in Katwe, Nsambya, Kisenyi, Old Kampala, Namirembe Road, Wandegeya, and Kabalagala suburbs.

"Some of the suspects we have arrested had court bails, others police bond, these we shall immediately take to courts or police stations that need them," a statement by the Kampala Metropolitan division, said.  

"We are going to screen them before processing their case files. They are likely to appear in court tomorrow. We urge members of the public to be vigilant."

It was not clear under which law the swoop was carried out. However, Police routinely quote the Idle and disorderly law whenever it carries out such arrests.

Human rights activist recently filed a petition at the Constitutional court challenging the law, arguing it is outdated.

According to Francis Tumwesige Ateenyi of the Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF), one of the petitioners, sections 168 (1) c and 168 (1) d) of the Penal Code Act are vague.

He said as a result, they are used to violate the rights of the poor and marginalised members of society who are arrested and prosecuted under the said law.

The Police, however, deny the allegation that they are still detaining people under the Idle and disorderly law as it has since been suspended by President Museveni.

 Patrick Onyango, the deputy police spokesman, said recently that they are now using the ‘Rogue and Vagabond law' to carry out the arrests.