By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Uganda Police Force’s Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) has arrested 204 suspects in a high-octane, intelligence-led crackdown across the city’s divisions, targeting drug dens, theft rings, and habitual offenders terrorizing urban hotspots.
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The two-day blitz, dubbed “Midweek Security Sweep,” ran from November 4 to 5, 2025, and focused on high-risk areas plagued by machete-wielding thugs, narcotics, and street robberies. KMP Deputy Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed the haul during a Thursday briefing, noting all detainees are under screening for court arraignals next week.
“This operation is part of our relentless war on urban crime, which accounts for nearly 40% of national incidents despite Kampala’s small population share,” Owoyesigyire said. “Community tips were gold – we recovered marijuana, breaking tools, and stolen phones.”
The raids, involving joint teams from police, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and local councils, netted weapons, drugs, and stolen goods. Two juveniles were separated for rehabilitation.
This follows a similar October sweep nabbing 180+ suspects and comes as Kampala braces for festive season spikes in robberies. The Uganda Police’s 2024 Crime Report flagged a 10% rise in housebreaking and muggings, with KMP bearing the brunt.
Owoyesigyire hailed public cooperation: “Intelligence from residents dismantled networks. More ops planned – report suspicious activity via 999.”
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago praised the effort but urged addressing root causes like poverty: “Arrests are bandaids; we need jobs for youth.”
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Rights group Chapter Four Uganda cautioned on juvenile handling: “Screening must prioritize rehab over jail for minors.”
As dry season nears, police vow sustained patrols to keep Kampala safe.
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