60 Suspected Criminals Arrested in KMP Security Crackdown

Sixty people are detained at various police stations within the Kampala Metropolitan policing area on various offences.

The operations were overseen by Assistant Commissioner of Police Emitu Ezekiel Ebapu, the new Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander, following numerous complaints of rising crime, including motorcycle robberies, house break-ins, street attacks, bank and mobile money robberies, and thefts of phones and electronics.

The Monday night operations were conducted by various police divisions, targeting crime-prone locations including Katwe, Muganzirwaza, Mbuya, Kinawataka, Katoogo, Namugongo-Nsawo, Bulindo-Katuli, and Bweyogerere. This resulted in the arrest of about 60 suspected criminals.

Katwe Muganzirwaza and Mutebi zones in Rubaga Division had 29 suspected motorcycle thieves and dealers arrested and 20 stolen motorcycles assorted spare parts and weapons used in robberies recovered.

Officers in operations said the suspects acting as passengers typically lure boda boda riders to remote locations then ambush them with accomplices waiting at the spots.

The suspects would hit their victims on the head with objects and vanish with motorcycles once the victims are incapacitated.

The suspects with stolen motorcycles were tracked before they could be dismantled for the booming Katwe spare parts market and spare parts from more than 250 stolen motorcycles have been recovered along with multiple number plates.

Other operations in other areas resulted in the arrest of forty-nine suspects.

Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said most of them were found with narcotic substances while others were planning to execute robberies, burglary and motorcycle theft.

“The suspects were found with suspected narcotic drugs including cannabis and we also recovered tools believed to be used in crimes like hammers knives wires and other suspicious implements along with electronic equipment and household items suspected to be stolen property” Owoyesigyire said

Police have cautioned city dwellers to cooperate with its teams in fighting criminality. “We are determined to dismantle criminal networks, recover stolen properties and ensure the safety and security of all residents. We call the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by providing timely information.” Owoyesigyire said.