Arua, Uganda: Security forces in Arua City have arrested 93 suspects in a late-night intelligence-led operation targeting crime hotspots linked to theft and robbery.
The joint operation, conducted on April 27 at around 10:00pm, was carried out by police and the UPDF in Arua Central Business Division, focusing on sports betting centres along Transport Road in Bazar Ward and other areas within the city.
According to West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia, all suspects were male and were picked up on allegations ranging from illegal possession of narcotic substances to unlawful possession of dangerous weapons.
“A total of 93 suspects were arrested for various offences, and their files are being processed. Those found culpable will be taken to court,” Angucia said.
Police say the operation followed persistent public complaints over rising theft and robbery incidents in the city centre, with intelligence suggesting that some suspects use betting centres as planning points before carrying out criminal activities.
The suspects were screened with the help of local leaders, with about half formally charged while others were cautioned and released.
Angucia said the crackdown is part of an ongoing effort to restore order in Arua City, warning that similar operations will continue.
“This operation to clean up the city will continue until sanity returns,” she said.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, urban crime, particularly theft and robbery, remains a key concern in growing towns, often linked to organised groups and informal gathering points.
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