NAKASONGOLA — Police in Nakasongola District have arrested 20 suspects during an intelligence-led operation targeting criminal activities in Lwampanga Town Council.
The operation, conducted on the night of July 19, covered the areas of Kijaluo, Zengebe, Gendeera and Munami.
According to Savannah Regional Police spokesperson ASP Sam Twiineamazima, the crackdown targeted marijuana smoking, gambling, unnecessary night movements and late-night pool games, which police say have been linked to rising insecurity in the area.
Among those arrested are two women and four juveniles. The suspects were taken to Lwampanga Town Council Police Station, where they were screened, processed and detained pending prosecution.
Police identified the suspects as Ambrose Ogwal, Bonny Onyango, Abraham Alele, Peter Yiga, Ibrahim Ssebandeke, Edrine Okech, Henry Omara, Badiru Nsamba, Mathias Seruyange, Solomon Mubiru, Patrick Ogwang, Abudu Ssempijja, Peter Kato, Wyclif Ssenyonjo, Richard Nsubuga, Godfrey Nasasira, Joseph Loboro, Emmanuel Iwima, Gift Asiimwe and Sarah Kyarisiima.
Twiineamazima said the operation forms part of an ongoing campaign to prevent crime and strengthen security across the Savannah Region.
"The operation targeted areas that had been identified through intelligence as hotspots for marijuana smoking, gambling, unnecessary night movements and other activities that fuel crime. We remain committed to ensuring such illegal activities are eliminated from our communities," he said.
He warned residents against engaging in criminal activities, saying police will sustain intelligence-led operations throughout the district.
"We urge members of the public, especially the youth, to refrain from activities that expose them to crime. We also encourage residents to work closely with the police by providing timely information about suspicious individuals and criminal hideouts," Twiineamazima added.
Police said case files are being prepared for court, while investigations into the operation remain ongoing.