The Kampala Metropolitan Police have arrested 48 suspects in an intelligence-led operation targeting criminal black spots within the Kajjansi policing area.
According to police, the pre-dawn raid was carried out on July 1, 2025, at around 3:30 a.m., following actionable intelligence about criminal gangs that habitually gather, loiter, and engage in illegal activities in parts of Lweza.
The operation, conducted by officers from Kajjansi Police Division under the Kampala Metropolitan Police South, focused on known hotspots including Muchanga, Kajjansi town, and Sanyu Brothel.
Eighteen suspects were arrested in Muchanga, twenty in Kajjansi, and ten at Sanyu Brothel, which authorities have flagged as a recurring base for criminal activity.
“The intelligence we gathered indicated that several of the individuals arrested have been disguising themselves as bottle and dustbin collectors during the day, only to turn into robbers during the night hours,” said ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police.
He revealed that police recovered a number of suspected housebreaking implements from the suspects, including pliers, knives, and other tools believed to have been used in recent break-ins in the area.
“All exhibits have been secured and statements have been recorded from both the complainants and arresting officers,” Owoyesigyire said, adding that the suspects were being held at Bwebajja and Lubowa Police Stations as investigations continue.
Most of the suspects, he noted, are between the ages of 17 and 23.
The operation follows increasing community concerns about insecurity and petty crime in Lweza and surrounding areas.
Police say the move is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks ahead of a wider security enhancement plan across the Kampala Metropolitan area.
“We remain committed to protecting communities by disrupting criminal networks and ensuring those involved are brought to justice,” Owoyesigyire said. “We encourage members of the public to continue sharing timely information to support our efforts.”
The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court once investigations are complete.
