Gun Recovered as Police Foil Attempted Robbery in Bugolobi

Police in the Kampala Metropolitan area have conducted a series of disruptive operations targeting criminal elements involved in phone snatching, drug abuse, robberies and related crimes across several divisions.

According to Deputy Police spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the operations were carried out in Wandegeya, Kira Road, Nansana, Kirinya and Jinja Road policing areas following intelligence reports and public concerns over increasing criminal activity in identified black spots.

During an operation in Old Mulago and Lower Nsoba under Wandegeya Police Division, 16 suspects were arrested for allegedly wandering with intent to commit crime. Police said the suspects were found loitering in the area late at night, with some unable to properly identify themselves, while others were reportedly found abusing drugs and gambling.

In a separate operation conducted along Mawanda Road and in Kamwokya under Kira Road Police Division, eight suspects believed to be involved in phone snatching and drug abuse were arrested from known criminal hotspots.

Similarly, an operation in Nansana Police Division targeting suspected hardened criminals led to the arrest of 10 male suspects who were found in possession of suspected narcotics. Police said the suspects have since been charged as investigations into the matter continue.

Another operation conducted in Kirinya and the surrounding areas of Kito A, Kito B, Namataba and Kirinya Main resulted in the arrest of eight suspects linked to crimes such as bag snatching, assaults on members of the public, house break-ins and burglaries. The suspects were also reportedly found in possession of suspected narcotics. The recovered exhibits were handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department for further management.

Meanwhile, police also foiled a suspected aggravated robbery targeting a mobile money operator in Bugolobi. According to police, the suspect, who was armed with a gun concealed in a polythene bag, fled on a motorcycle after the attempted robbery failed.

Boda boda riders pursued the suspect and alerted police patrol teams along Old Port Bell Road. Upon noticing the approaching police officers, the suspect abandoned the firearm and escaped.

Police recovered the gun, which was loaded with four rounds of ammunition, near the Ministry of Internal Affairs and secured it as an exhibit. A scene of crime team examined the area, and investigations are ongoing to identify the suspect and the motorcycle used in the incident.

Owoyesigyire said a total of 42 suspects arrested in the various operations are currently undergoing screening, investigation and documentation before being arraigned in court.

He noted that similar operations will continue across the Kampala Metropolitan area to dismantle criminal networks and enhance the safety of the public.

Police have also urged members of the public to continue sharing information that can assist security agencies in the fight against crime.