Kampala, Uganda: The Police in Kampala Metropolitan (KMP) have arrested at least 204 suspects in a sweeping crackdown on criminal gangs, drug abusers, and habitual offenders operating across Kampala’s urban and peri-urban suburbs.
According to ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Spokesperson of Kampala Metropolitan Police, the joint operations were conducted between November 4 and 5, 2025, and targeted notorious criminal hideouts and drug-infested zones that have been terrorizing residents.
“Between November 4th and 5th, we carried out coordinated operations across several divisions. Criminal gangs, drug users, and habitual offenders who have been disturbing the peace in both urban and peri-urban areas were our main focus,” ASP Owoyesigyire said.
The operations, he said, were part of the Force’s renewed effort to restore law and order ahead of the festive season, when cases of mugging, phone snatching, and housebreaking often spike.
In Kajjansi, police officers raided Lweza B, Kilyamuli, Akright, and Kawotto, arresting 44 suspects involved in marijuana smoking, petty theft, and public nuisance. Two juveniles were also intercepted while attempting to break into a poultry house.
While in Old Kampala Division, a total of 60 suspects were rounded up in Namungona, Nakulabye, and around the New Taxi Park and Mukwano Roundabout for possession of breaking implements, suspected narcotics, and attempting to commit felonies.
In Kabalagala, 45 suspects were arrested from Nsamya, Kamwanyi, and Kataba over drug possession and street mugging. Police say the area has seen a surge in snatching incidents and gang-related violence.
The operation also extended to Matugga in Kawempe Division where police detained several suspects along the Matugga–Gulu Highway, Gombe, and Lwadda for bag snatching, phone theft, and drug use during evening traffic hours.
In Mukono District, also part of the Kampala Metropolitan, security teams conducted raids across Goma and Central Divisions, leading to multiple arrests:
The operation also covered policing divisions of Katwe–Bukerere (9 suspects), Namanve Industrial Park; 8 suspects and Kitega, Wantoni, Benghazi, and Kikooza with more than 30 suspects in custody.
In Kira Division, Wakiso District, 8 suspects were nabbed from areas of Nsasa and Bulindo with exhibits of suspected narcotics.
Owoyesigyire hailed local leaders and residents for their support in identifying crime hotspots.
“We commend the cooperation of local leaders and community members who continue to share valuable information. Their vigilance is helping us dismantle criminal networks,” he said.
He added that all 204 suspects are currently undergoing screening and profiling, after which those with verified charges will be prosecuted in court.
Police Vow Continued Operations
Security sources within KMP say the operation is part of a broader anti-crime campaign aimed at eliminating gang violence, drug trafficking, and night robberies in Kampala and its suburbs.
“We are not stopping here,” Owoyesigyire emphasized. “Operations will continue until criminal gangs are completely dismantled. Our goal is to make Kampala safe and peaceful again.”
The crackdown follows weeks of increased community complaints over rising thefts, drug dens, and mugging spots in areas such as Kabalagala, Kajjansi, and Mukono, with residents calling for more police visibility.
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