Security arrests 102 suspected robbers in city operations

KAMPALA, UGANDA: A team of joint security forces have arrested 102 suspected robbers terrorising travellers along the Northern Bypass and Clock-Tower in Kampala, police have revealed.

The operations came at a time when thugs had resumed their attacks on pedestrians, and passengers on motorcycles including throwing logs at drivers.

The security team commanded by the Old Kampala Division Police Commander Tyson Rutambiika, conducted operations in areas of Kawaala and Namungoona. At least 24 suspects were arrested in these operations.

Kampala Central Police Station led by SP Martin Okoyo conducted the operations at Clock-Tower and 32 suspects were arrested. Police say these suspects’ criminal activities have been being monitored using CCTVs.

Operations at Kiwatule, Kyebando and Bukoto flyovers were conducted by Kira Road police station officers leading to the arrest of 38 suspects. Police have also destroyed makeshifts allegedly built by thugs near the flyovers.

Mr Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson said police had details of the suspects and they picked them based on intelligence and evidence. He said most of the victims have been pedestrians mostly women whom they target for their handbags and wallets.

“Some of these criminals were found with mattresses they had put in the makeshifts built near the flyovers. These makeshifts were destroyed. The teams also recovered kilograms of khat and other intoxication,” Mr Enanga said.

Security operations along the Northern Bypass started from Busega up to Namboole. Most victims have been targeted between 7pm and 10pm. However, there are also thugs in taxis at the Northern Bypass who move five or six to hoodwink unsuspecting passengers.

Police investigations show that the thugs often offer the unsuspecting passengers the front seat and once a person is inside, they start indicating that they are not reaching their destination. It is at that point they tell the person to get out in order to pick up another taxi.

At that point one of them who disguises himself as the conductor holds the door as the passenger attempts to open it while the other next to the driver pickpockets the passenger. The public has been urged to be very alert and avoid boarding taxis not at the known passenger stations.

Last year five people were killed by thugs at the Northern Bypass. Police and military conducted operations which led to the arrest of more than 300 suspects who were charged and remanded by courts of law.

However, in less than a year, most of them were out on court bail or after serving their sentences ranging from three months to a year.