Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke has provided clarity on heightened security deployments in Kampala, including around the residence of opposition figure and former National Unity Platform presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.
Speaking on the Sanyuka Morning Xpress on Tuesday, Rusoke said Police are committed to maintaining peace and public order while operating within limits on what information can be shared publicly.
“We have tried to provide feedback to the public on matters of concern. However, the amount of information we are required to share must remain limited,” he said.
Rusoke noted that detectives are handling an average of 65 case files each, describing the workload as heavy. He also emphasized community-based security measures, urging business owners to install CCTV cameras and improve lighting in public areas.
On the visible deployments near Kyagulanyi’s residence in Magere, Rusoke cited credible intelligence regarding potential security threats around the premises.
He stressed that the calm observed in affected areas is the result of proactive police interventions.
“We are decent and mindful of maintaining peace. The calm you see today and the absence of disruptive activities are a result of the measures we have put in place. We have deployments in all areas where there are security concerns,” he said.
During the weekly security briefing on Monday, Rusoke reported that at least 700 suspects were arrested over the past week in intelligence-led operations across the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
Specifically, 254 suspects were apprehended in Kampala Metropolitan East, 510 in Kampala Metropolitan South, with additional arrests in other areas.
Many arrested individuals are repeat offenders who had previously served sentences or were released on bail.
“Many of the suspects are repeat offenders, many of whom have either served their sentences or released on bail by courts of law. However, the intelligence-led operations will continue,” he said.
Addressing recent concerns over contradictory statements by high-ranking officials, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem Okello regarding alleged treason charges, Rusoke clarified that no treason investigations have been sanctioned against Kyagulanyi.
“We have no charges of treason preferred on Hon. Kyagulanyi. If any, we shall tell you here. There are not any investigations that I know of happening,” he said.
Minister Oryem later distanced himself from the controversy, stating he did not claim Kyagulanyi is awaiting treason charges, but criticized the opposition leader’s appeal to the EU, citing that 71% of Ugandans rejected his presidential bid.
The deployment around Kyagulanyi’s residence comes amid public concern over a rise in thefts, muggings, and gang-related attacks, particularly in crowded transport hubs and commercial areas of Kampala.
Police attribute the surge partly to suspects being released on bail and the challenges of policing densely populated urban centers.
The visible presence near the opposition leader’s home has previously been defended by Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister for Information and Communications Technology and National Guidance, as a precaution to prevent the premises from being used as a hub for public disorder.
Kyagulanyi reportedly left his Magere residence on January 16, 2026, citing fears for his personal safety after a military raid.
Since then, he has continued to communicate with supporters on social media, alleging targeting by state security agencies.