A total of 42 suspects were arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning following a joint operation conducted by the police and local leaders targeting major crime hotspots in Kampala.
The operation, which ran between 12:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., focused on areas notorious for criminal activity including the Nakivubo Channel, New Taxi Park, Namayiba Bus Park, and Namungona near the Northern Bypass.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, the suspects were apprehended for their alleged involvement in robbery, drug abuse, particularly marijuana smoking, and other criminal activities.
“We successfully arrested 42 individuals. These suspects are currently detained pending court proceedings,” Onyango confirmed in an official statement released Tuesday.
Several exhibits were recovered from various hideouts during the crackdown, though police did not immediately disclose the nature of the items seized.
Local leaders were instrumental in the operation’s success, providing critical intelligence that helped pinpoint the criminals’ hideouts.
Onyango also acknowledged the cooperation of community members, noting that residents provided timely information that significantly contributed to crime prevention efforts.
“This operation shows the importance of community policing and stakeholder collaboration in maintaining public safety,” Onyango added.
The Kampala Metropolitan Police pledged to continue intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks across the city. Efforts are already underway to profile the suspects, which will help in the effective prosecution of habitual offenders.
Police also reiterated their commitment to working closely with community stakeholders to enhance safety in targeted areas, particularly around the New Taxi Park, Namayiba Bus Park, and along the Northern Bypass.
