Kampala Police Arrest Over 170 Suspects in Citywide Anti-Crime Operations

The Kampala Metropolitan Police have intensified operations across several divisions to crack down on criminal gangs, disrupt their networks, and restore safety in areas known for violent crime, phone and bag snatching, and narcotics use.

According to SSP Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police PRO, the operations were carried out in Old Kampala Division, Kira Road Division, Kira Division, Nansana Division, Jinja Road Division, and Kajjansi Division.

Onyango told reproters on Tuesday that between 8:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. on November 3, 2025, police conducted an extensive operation in the areas of Wagaba Zone in Rubaga Parish, Owino, Kisenyi, Musajjalumbwa, Usafi, and Kafumbe Mukasa.

The operation targeted suspected thugs behind robberies and street crimes within Rubaga and Kisenyi Parishes. A total of 75 suspects were arrested and detained at Old Kampala Police Station, Usafi Police Station, Owino Police Post, and Kafumbe Mukasa Police Post.

The suspects face charges of possession of dangerous weapons, being in premises with intent to commit a felony, and possession of opium. The operation involved both police and local leaders, working jointly in covert and overt missions.

On November 4, 2025, police under the Kira Road Policing Area carried out a disruptive operation in Ntinda, targeting known opium smoking dens and criminal hideouts.

A total of 13 suspects were arrested and are detained at Kira Road Police Division. Police say the operation was successful and will continue until all criminal elements are eliminated.

In Bweyogerere Central Zone, a similar operation was conducted on November 3, 2025, at around 11:00 p.m., targeting suspects involved in drug use and petty crime along the Northern Bypass.

Seven suspects were arrested, and exhibits of opium were recovered. They were charged with possession of narcotic substances.

Another operation in Kitikutwe and Kungu Zones in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, led to the arrest of 12 suspects and the recovery of rolled and non-rolled opium and a panga believed to have been used in robberies. All suspects are pending prosecution.

In response to public outcry over phone snatching, burglaries, and gang activity, police in Nansana conducted an intelligence-led operation on November 3, 2025, at around 9:00 p.m., in the areas of Nabweru, Kiwogo, and Ganda.

The operation led to the arrest of 34 suspects, many of whom were found taking narcotic drugs such as opium and marijuana. Exhibits were recovered and handed over to Lubigi Police Station. The suspects were charged with possession of narcotic drugs and are awaiting court proceedings.

A joint police and local defense team operation was conducted between midnight and 4:00 a.m. on November 4, 2025, in Katoogo and Kago areas of Kinawataka, Mbuya 1 Parish, Nakawa Division.

Police rounded up 16 male suspects from known black spots notorious for harboring drug users and robbers. The suspects were found with opium and charged with public nuisance.

Between 7:00 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. on November 3, 2025, police conducted an operation in Bweya, Jjanyi, and Kitende A (Kawafu Gardens and Muwonge Road) to tackle rising incidents of phone snatching and bag theft.
A total of 21 suspects were arrested. Police recovered 289 sticks of marijuana, marijuana seeds, rolling papers, and UGX 35,800 believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
The suspects face various charges and are believed to be among those behind multiple robberies in Kajjansi and surrounding areas.

Onyango says that all operations were successful and form part of the ongoing strategy to dismantle criminal networks across the metropolitan area.