Police have arrested 204 suspects in a two-day operation targeting criminal hideouts, drug abusers, and habitual offenders across divisions of the Kampala Metropolitan area.
According to ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan Police, the operations were conducted between November 4 and 5, 2025, in both urban and peri-urban zones notorious for rising crime rates.
“We have continued to conduct coordinated operations across the city to dismantle criminal networks that terrorize communities,” Owoyesigyire said.
“The exercise targeted hideouts of drug abusers, habitual offenders, and individuals engaged in acts of public nuisance.”
In Kajjansi Division, 44 suspects were arrested from areas including Lweza B, Kilyamuli, Akright, and Kawotto for smoking marijuana, theft, and disorderly behavior. Two juveniles were also intercepted while attempting to break into a poultry house.
In Old Kampala Division, police apprehended 60 suspects from Namungona, Nakulabye, and the city center around the New Taxi Park and Mukwano Roundabout.
The suspects were found with breaking implements and suspected narcotics and were allegedly plotting to commit felonies.
In Kabalagala Division, 45 suspects were arrested in Nsamya, Kamwanyi, and Kataba over possession of narcotic drugs and street mugging, while in Matugga Division, several individuals were detained along the Matugga–Gulu Highway, Gombe, and Lwadda areas for phone and bag snatching and drug use during evening traffic hours.
Operations in Mukono District also netted dozens of suspects. Police reported the arrest of nine individuals in Katwe–Bukerere, eight in Namave Industrial Park, and 30 more from Kitega, Wantoni, Benghazi, and Kikooza.
Meanwhile, in Kira Division, eight suspects were arrested from Nsasa and Bulindo with exhibits of suspected narcotics.
Owoyesigyire said all 204 suspects are currently being screened and will be charged in courts of law once investigations are complete.
He commended local leaders and community members for their growing role in providing actionable intelligence.
“We appreciate the continued cooperation of residents who share information that helps us to dismantle criminal gangs,” he added.
The Kampala Metropolitan Police have in recent months intensified similar crackdowns aimed at curbing urban crime, which has been on the rise in fast-growing settlements around the city.
