Assistant Inspector General of Police Christopher Damulira has addressed growing public concerns over crime in Kampala and surrounding areas, affirming that security agencies are making progress despite widespread fear online.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Damulira acknowledged recent incidents of mugging, murders, and break-ins that have unsettled residents, particularly at traffic junctions and during long traffic jams.
“We have seen a couple of complaints on social media and noted incidents of mugging at traffic junctions and long traffic jams. People have lost valuables, and they are right to complain and demand better service,” he said.
However, Damulira dismissed claims that crime has overtaken the city, highlighting major breakthroughs achieved in recent weeks.
Between January 20 and 24, police recovered four submachine guns in Kampala Metropolitan and arrested nine suspects. Forensic analysis linked the weapons to at least 30 aggravated robberies.
“To us, this is a very big achievement,” Damulira said, adding that since the recoveries, “Kampala has not registered a single gun-related incident.”
He also revealed that suspects in custody have confessed to multiple murders, including the killing of Ntawo’s Officer in Charge.
Police have reported progress in other high-profile cases, including the murder of a university student, a double killing at a hotel in Lungujja, and the arrest of a suspect linked to the killing of a TikToker known as Skyz.
Security agencies say intelligence-led operations are ongoing, with hundreds of suspects arrested across divisions such as Kira, Nsangi, and Kira Road.
Damulira added that new measures are being rolled out to tackle muggings at traffic lights and expand the sub-county policing model nationwide.
He acknowledged that deeper structural issues, including poverty and unemployment, remain major drivers of crime and require a coordinated, whole-of-government response.
“We will continue engaging the media and strengthening operations to ensure a safer environment for all Ugandans,” Damulira said, reassuring the public of ongoing security efforts.
