Kampala metropolitan police intensify security crackdown, arrest over 200 suspects in coordinated operations
Kampala, Uganda – A series of targeted security operations across Kampala's metropolitan area has led to the arrest of more than 200 suspects linked to various criminal activities, according to police reports. The operations, conducted jointly by the Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP), Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), and Crime Intelligence units, targeted hotspots in Mukono, Nansana, and central Kampala divisions over 48 hours.
The first operation unfolded in the late hours of July 21 in Mukono's Namuyenge village, Nabuti zone, and Bajjo zone, where security forces apprehended 24 individuals allegedly involved in opium smoking, robbery, and violent muggings. Police spokesperson SSP Patrick Onyango confirmed the suspects are currently detained at Mukono and Seeta police stations pending further investigation.
A separate daytime operation on July 21 focused on Kampala's central business district, where authorities rounded up 167 suspects disguising themselves as bottle collectors, street children, and cleaners. Intelligence reports indicated these individuals were allegedly using their disguises to terrorise pedestrians and business operators in high-traffic areas including Kiseka Market, Nakasero, Old Taxi Park, and along Kampala Road. All suspects were processed and detained at Central Police Station Kampala.
As night fell on July 22, security forces turned their attention to Nansana municipality, conducting raids on known narcotics hubs that resulted in 11 arrests and the seizure of opium packets. The nighttime operation specifically targeted establishments and hideouts frequented by suspected drug dealers and users in the area.
SSP Onyango emphasized that these operations form part of an ongoing strategy to dismantle criminal networks operating in the metropolitan area. "We're taking a multi-pronged approach that combines intelligence gathering, rapid response, and community engagement," he stated, while urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through official channels.
Authorities indicate the detained suspects will undergo thorough screening to determine their level of involvement in criminal activities before being formally charged. The operations come amid heightened security measures across the Kampala metropolitan area following recent reports of increased street crime and narcotics-related offenses.
Local leaders have welcomed the security crackdown, though some civil society groups have called for due process to be followed, particularly regarding the detention of street children and informal workers who may have been caught up in the sweeps. Police assure that proper procedures are being followed and that only those with established criminal connections will face prosecution.
These coordinated operations mark one of the largest security crackdowns in the Kampala metropolitan area this quarter, reflecting authorities' determination to reclaim public spaces from criminal elements ahead of the busy festive season. Security analysts suggest the visible police action may deter criminal activity in the short term, but stress the need for longer-term solutions addressing the root causes of urban crime.
Residents in affected areas report mixed reactions, with some expressing relief at the increased security presence, while others voice concerns about potential overreach. The police have pledged to continue these targeted operations while working closely with community leaders to maintain public trust and gather intelligence on criminal networks.
