In a massive security sweep across the first 60 days of 2026, the Uganda Police Force has apprehended 7,159 suspects nationwide, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to post-election lawlessness.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) James Ocaya revealed the staggering figures while appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to address the Auditor General’s report for the 2024/25 financial year.
The surge in enforcement comes as the force moves to stabilize the country following media reports of robberies and murders in the aftermath of the 2026 general elections.
Of the total arrests made in January and February, Ocaya confirmed that 3,724 individuals have already been processed and taken to court.
The Kampala Metropolitan area remains the primary theater of operation, accounting for 3,512 of the arrests and 1,935 court appearances.
"We recovered several exhibits which include guns, house-breaking implements, assorted vehicle parts, motorcycles, and drugs," Ocaya stated.
"We also recovered stolen coffee and livestock."
Despite the high volume of arrests, the DIGP delivered a surprisingly positive statistical outlook, reporting a 10.3% decline in the overall crime rate for 2025.
The data shows reported cases dropped from 218,715 in 2024 to 196,155 in 2025—a shift the police attribute to enhanced sub-county policing and inter-agency collaboration.
However, Ocaya noted that the police are still battling "bait" crimes. He pointed out that mobile money agents and certain companies continue to handle large sums of cash without adequate security, effectively attracting criminals.
To maintain the downward trend in crime, the force has launched strategic deployments at "black spots" and road junctions to combat street theft, vehicle vandalism, and the rise of "panga-wielding" gangs.
