Tororo, Uganda: The Territorial Police in Tororo District have arrested 24 suspected criminals during an intelligence-led operation targeting alleged gang activity, drug trafficking and violent crime in Tororo Municipality and surrounding areas.
The operation, conducted on Thursday, June 4, covered identified crime hotspots in Tororo Municipality, Osukuru Trading Centre, Apetai Sub-county and Mukujju Sub-county.
According to Bukedi South Regional Police spokesperson IP Moses Mugwe, the crackdown was launched following growing concerns over gang-related activities, narcotics trafficking and the widespread abuse of marijuana, which security agencies believe is fueling theft, robberies and violent assaults in the district.
The operation was coordinated by Tororo District Police Commander SP Martin Karekyezi and involved officers from the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), Crime Intelligence, operational units and local council leaders.
Police intelligence reports indicated that some criminal groups had adopted a pattern of trailing travellers on motorcycles before attacking them with iron bars and robbing them of their valuables.
Investigators linked the operation to ongoing inquiries into a violent robbery reported on May 23, 2026, in which a boda boda rider was allegedly assaulted and his motorcycle, registration number UMA 620J, stolen. The case is registered under CRB 496/2026.
During the operation, officers recovered quantities of suspected marijuana, two birds believed to be connected to criminal activities, gambling materials and an unspecified amount of cash suspected to have been obtained through illegal gambling.
All the suspects are being held at Tororo Central Police Station pending screening, criminal profiling and further investigations. Police have not released their identities, citing ongoing inquiries.
The suspects are expected to face charges related to attempted commission of a felony and other offences depending on the outcome of investigations.
“We want to affirm to the public our continued commitment to ensuring law and order across Tororo District,” IP Mugwe said.
He warned individuals involved in criminal activities to desist or face the full force of the law.
The latest operation comes amid continued police efforts to tackle violent crime and gang activity across the country.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, robbery cases remained among the country’s most serious violent crimes, with authorities attributing a significant proportion of offences to organized criminal groups and repeat offenders.
The report also highlighted narcotics abuse as a key driver of criminality, particularly among youths involved in theft, assault and robbery-related offences.
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