Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Police Force has confirmed that 1,185 suspects were arrested in a week-long nationwide anti-crime crackdown, as security agencies intensify intelligence-led operations targeting robberies, phone snatching and narcotics abuse.
While addressing the media on Monday at Naguru headquarters, Police Spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma, said a total of 47 disruptive operations were conducted between February 23 and 28, 2026, with Kampala Metropolitan East, North and South registering the highest number of arrests.
Kampala Metropolitan East led with 16 operations and 334 arrests in areas including Kira, Mukono, Jinja Road, Kamwokya, Kinawataka and Namuyenje. Kampala Metropolitan North followed with 317 arrests from six operations in Old Kampala, Wakiso, Bulenga, Kakiri and Bulaga.
Kampala Metropolitan South recorded 308 arrests across nine operations conducted in Nsangi, Kabalagala, CPS Kampala, Kajjansi, Entebbe and Nkumba-Bufulu.
Other regions also registered significant activity. In West Nile, four operations in Arua City targeted armed youth and robbery suspects, leading to 25 arrests. Aswa East conducted one operation against cross-border criminals in Lamwo at Palabek–Ngomoromo, netting 32 suspects, while Aswa West arrested 53 suspects during operations against “Aguu” gang elements in Gulu.
Bukedi South recorded 84 arrests in Busia’s Sofia and Marachi–Solo–Mbale Kidogo areas linked to criminal gangs. Savannah region arrested four suspects in Nakasongola over marijuana abuse and snatching cases, while North Kyoga netted eight suspects in Amolatar over violent theft incidents.
Sezibwa region arrested 11 suspects in Buikwe linked to robberies and narcotics abuse, and Masaka East recovered stolen cattle during an operation against animal theft that resulted in nine arrests.
ACP Kituuma said the latest figures add to last week’s update in which 1,095 suspects had been arrested, bringing the cumulative total to 3,132 suspects during the ongoing crackdown.
“By last Friday, a total of 2,056 suspects had been taken to court, 800 were released on police bond, some were set free, while 232 remain under active investigations,” he said.
Police say the intensified operations will continue, particularly in urban black spots identified as hotspots for violent crime and drug-related offences.
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