90 Suspected Criminals Arrested in City Festive Season Swoop

More than 90 suspected criminals have been arrested during City Centre operations ahead of the festive season. 

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachel Kawala, the operations, conducted on Wednesday, led to the arrest of 90 suspects on the first day. 

The operation targeted criminals who waylay members of the public and assault them in identified black spots,” Kawala said. 

The operations focused on areas including Railway, Biwologoma, Nakasero, William Street, Old Kampala, and Arua Park, following a surge in robberies in which attackers punch unsuspecting victims before stealing from them. 

The suspects, aged between 18 and 25 target vulnerable shoppers, including women, the elderly, and pedestrians, particularly during peak hours. The attacks often involve iron knuckles or metal objects concealed in the assailants’ hands, leaving victims unconscious. 

Penina Kabalungi, a tech shop attendant on Ben Kiwanuka Street, was punched in the face and collapsed. Fortunately, bystanders intervened and prevented the thieves from stealing her phone.

Kabalungi said she had withdrawn 200,000 shillings from Centenary Bank in Kikubo and was heading to Ham Shopping Arcade when the attack occurred. 

Kawala said police have intensified security in central business district hotspots, deploying both covert and overt operations to gather intelligence and apprehend the culprits during the festive season.

“Our teams are conducting daily patrols in the CBD and across the Kampala Metropolitan Police area, with officers on foot, motorcycles, and covert operatives gathering intelligence. This will help us dismantle the networks behind these attacks. We also plan to increase the number of officers in the area as the festive season progresses,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Police Spokesperson Kituma Rusoke urged Ugandans to remain vigilant during the festive season, whether at home or while shopping, and to stay in contact with their local police. 

He warned that opportunistic criminals tend to be more active during this period. Similar gang attacks during the 2024 festive season, marked by violent “flying kick” assaults that left victims helpless, prompted strong police action. While many suspects were arrested, charged, and sentenced, concerns remain that lenient court rulings allow some offenders to return to criminal activity.