Police arrest 196 suspects in Kampala crime operations

Police have arrested 196 suspects in operations targeting crime hotspots across Kampala and surrounding areas, recovering suspected narcotic substances, pangas and other items.

Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy public relations officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police, said the arrests were made in Kabalagala, Katwe, Kira Road, Nansana and Nakawa on October 21 and 22, 2026.

In Kabalagala, 28 suspects were arrested on October 21 in Maaso Ana Zone, Kansanga Parish, Makindye Division, during an operation targeting areas associated with mugging, thuggery and drug abuse.

Owoyesigyire said the suspects were allegedly found abusing or possessing suspected narcotic substances and were being processed for court.

In Katwe, 130 suspects, comprising 76 men and 54 women, were arrested during operations conducted between midnight and 4:20 a.m. on Thursday in Busabala, Kosovo Zone in Salama Parish, Kategula Zone in Kibuye II Parish and Ndeeba.

Owoyesigyire said three additional suspects — Muhammad Ali, Mukiibi Jovan and Semwanga Simon — were arrested in a related operation in Ndeeba after allegedly being found with two pangas concealed around their waists.

Police also recovered suspected narcotic substances, a claw hammer and a pair of pliers. Screening and investigations are ongoing.

In Kyebando and Bahai/Kikaaya, 14 suspects were arrested during an operation conducted by Kira Road Police on Wednesday in areas associated with drug abuse and other criminal activities.

In Nansana, police arrested Babirye Shakirah in Nabweru North Ward at about 6 p.m. on Wednesday over suspected marijuana dealing and allegations that she was harbouring individuals linked to criminal activities.

Owoyesigyire said Babirye allegedly resisted arrest and assaulted a police officer with a knife. She has been charged with assaulting a police officer on duty and possessing suspected narcotic substances identified as marijuana.

In Nakawa, 12 suspects were arrested during an operation conducted between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesday in Bengazi Village, Nakawa Market. The operation involved police, local defence personnel and community vigilante teams.

The suspects were taken to Jinja Road Police Station and charged with frequenting places where opium is smoked and public nuisance.

Owoyesigyire said police would continue conducting targeted operations in identified crime hotspots to disrupt criminal activities and improve public safety.

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