Police in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area have reported a sudden rise in petty crimes, especially general theft, phone snatching, and car break-ins.
“It is true there has been a sudden rise in this kind of criminality around the Kampala Metropolitan Area, where people have come out to complain that while stuck in traffic jams or making stops at traffic lights, they have been robbed,” Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire told The Nile Post on Tuesday.
Several members of the public have, over the past month, complained—especially on social media—about being attacked and having their belongings stolen, particularly bags containing money and mobile phones, while travelling.
Speaking on Tuesday, Owoyesigyire attributed the resurgence in petty crime to repeat offenders, many of whom were recently released on bail by courts of law as part of efforts to decongest prisons.
“We are realising that the same suspects who were previously arrested are the ones being re-arrested for these crimes. The same faces are reappearing on similar allegations of theft during traffic jams and phone snatching at traffic lights and during rush hours,” he said.
In November last year, President Museveni, using his constitutional prerogative of mercy under Article 121, pardoned at least 143 prisoners, the majority of whom were petty offenders. The pardon came ahead of the January 14 presidential polls this year.
However, according to security sources, many of those involved in the resurgence of petty crime are among those pardoned last year.
Owoyesigyire said police are limited in their ability to stop the release of suspects, as they cannot interfere with judicial processes to stop courts from granting bail.
“We cannot do much to convince courts that these persons are a danger to the community and should not be released on bail, since bail is a human right. However, relying on their past criminal records, we are hopeful that these repeat offenders can be convicted, since they are the same individuals previously charged,” he said.
Sting Operations
In response to the resurgence in crime, police have, in recent months, conducted sting operations targeting criminal hideouts in several parts of the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
Operations have been carried out in Kira, Naalya, the city centre, Makindye, Nakawa, and other areas.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said on Monday that disruptive operations in Kira had led to the arrest of more than 95 suspects.
He said that on February 3, 2026, an operation was conducted in Kireka Railway, Kamuli, Kyaliwajjala Market, and Naalya in Namugongo Division, Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, where a total of 62 suspects were arrested and exhibits of suspected opium were recovered.
“After joint screening, 39 suspects were arraigned before court on February 6, 2026, on charges related to the possession of narcotic substances,” Rusoke said.
He added that on February 4, another disruptive operation was carried out in the Kulambiro–Kyanja, Tubba, and Kisaasi areas under the Kira Road Policing Area. The operation targeted suspects who smoke opium in hideouts and later engage in bag and phone snatching, as well as waylaying members of the public at night.
During the operation, 19 suspects were arrested with exhibits.
Rusoke further said that on February 9, an intelligence-led joint operation was conducted in the areas of Mulawa and Nsasa in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, aimed at curbing an upsurge in criminal activities. The operation led to the arrest of 14 suspects.
“In total, these recent operations have led to the arrest of 95 suspects, with a significant number already taken to court, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal gangs, drug abuse, and related street crime in the affected areas,” Rusoke said.
He added that the Uganda Police Force commends the cooperation of residents and reaffirmed its commitment to sustained, intelligence-led operations to enhance public safety and ensure a peaceful environment. He urged members of the public to continue sharing timely information on emerging crime hotspots, suspicious persons, and criminal behaviour with the nearest police stations and area commanders.
Owoyesigyire emphasised that while police operations are ongoing, successful convictions largely depend on the cooperation of victims.
“Victims need to report these cases when they happen. That is the only way we can know they occur. People often talk about these incidents on social media, but when they do not report formally, it does not help us,” Owoyesigyire said.
“With proper reporting, we are able to make arrests. If victims can also help us identify suspects, it provides concrete evidence. Following up on cases is crucial. In many instances, we recover suspected stolen items, but when no one comes forward to claim ownership, there is no evidence to support convictions.”