By Robert Segawa
The Uganda Police Force has arrested a total of 2,334 suspects across different parts of the country over the past two weeks as part of ongoing operations to combat crime.
The arrests follow numerous complaints from members of the public regarding pickpocketing, burglary, simple robbery, and the mugging of innocent and unsuspecting Ugandans.
According to the police, members of the public and community leaders have played a key role in identifying and apprehending suspects, working closely with the Uganda Police Force and other security agencies.
While addressing the media at Police Headquarters in Naguru on Monday, Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke revealed that 1,350 suspects had been arraigned before various courts within the jurisdictions where they were arrested.
He further noted that 164 suspects were released on police bond pending the completion of investigations, while 505 suspects were cautioned and released. Additionally, 307 case files are still pending in court as police await legal guidance from Resident State Attorneys.
Rusoke explained that since it is impossible to predict who will commit a crime and when, disruptive operations will continue across the country. He noted that some suspects engage in the use of narcotic substances before carrying out criminal activities.
Police investigations have also established that many suspects gather at known hotspots before emerging during peak hours—particularly early in the morning and in the evening—to target members of the public.
The operations were conducted in several areas under Kampala Metropolitan South, including Katwe, Central Police Station (CPS) Kampala, Kabalagala, Nateete, Kajjansi, and Nsangi. Similar operations were carried out in Kampala Metropolitan East, covering Mukono, Seeta, Kira Municipality, and other parts of the country.
Rusoke emphasized that the operations will continue and urged members of the public to remain vigilant, noting that the police cannot be everywhere at all times.
He also advised citizens to keep contact details of their local police commanders and stations to enable them to seek assistance promptly whenever necessary.
