Police in the Kampala Metropolitan Area have arrested 42 suspects during a series of intelligence-led operations targeting criminal activities including phone snatching, drug abuse, robbery, and burglary.
The operations were conducted in Wandegeya, Kira Road, Nansana, Kirinya, and Jinja Road policing areas, following intelligence reports and public concerns about increasing criminal activities in identified crime hotspots.
According to the Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the operations were aimed at disrupting criminal networks operating within the metropolitan divisions.
During an operation carried out in Old Mulago and Lower Nsoba under Wandegeya Police Division, police arrested 16 suspects who were allegedly wandering about with intent to commit crime.
Police reported that the suspects were found loitering in the area late at night, with some unable to properly identify themselves, while others were reportedly abusing drugs and engaging in gambling activities.
In a separate operation conducted along Mawanda Road and in Kamwokya under Kira Road Police Division, police arrested eight suspects believed to be involved in mobile phone snatching and drug abuse.
Similarly, in Nansana Police Division, an operation targeting suspected hardened criminals led to the arrest of 10 male suspects who were allegedly found in possession of suspected narcotic substances.
Police confirmed that the suspects have since been charged accordingly, and investigations into the matter are ongoing.
Another operation conducted in Kirinya and surrounding areas including Kito A, Kito B, Namataba, and Kirinya Main targeted individuals suspected of involvement in bag snatching, assaults on members of the public, house break-ins, and burglaries.
During the operation, eight suspects were arrested after police reportedly recovered suspected narcotics from them.
The recovered exhibits were handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for further management and analysis.
Police said all the 42 suspects arrested are currently undergoing screening, investigation, and documentation before being arraigned in court.
ASP Owoyesigyire said the operations form part of ongoing efforts by police to dismantle criminal networks and improve security in the metropolitan area.
He also urged members of the public to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing information that can assist in the fight against crime.
Police said similar operations will continue across the Kampala Metropolitan Area to enhance the safety and security of residents.