Police bust another gang on Northern Bypss

UGANDA           POLICE       SECURITY 

A security operation against thugs who terrorise people on the Northern Bypass has resulted in the arrest of over 147 suspects.

The operation was led by the Kampala Metropolitan commander, Moses Kafeero. According to a Police statement, the operation covered areas such as Kawempe, Wandegeya, Kalerwe, Kyebando, Kisaasi, Bweyogerere and Kira Road.

"This operation comes after complaints about thugs along the Northern Bypass who have been mugging and assaulting people before taking away their property," the statement read.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesman Patrick Onyango yesterday said the suspects were found with marijuana, suspected stolen phones, house break-in tools and knives.

The Police said 40 suspects were arrested at Kawempe, 48 in Wandegeya, 10 in Kira division and 49 from Kira Road.

They are being detained in various Police stations — Kawempe, Kira Road and Wandegeya. Onyango said the suspects will be screened as operations continue.

Last December, the Police carried out a similar operation on the Northern Bypass, Fairway junction and Lugogo Bypass where they arrested more than two dozen suspects, who had been attacking and robbing motorists.

Again, there was a public outcry about criminals who would snatch mobile phones and other property from motorists on Northern Bypass, at the Lugogo Bypass traffic lights and Fairway Road junction at night and during rush hours.

Operations against violent crime in Kampala Metropolitan area follows last year's directive by President Yoweri Museveni for Police to produce a comprehensive crime thwarting plan.