Over 250 suspects arrested as Police intensify crime crackdown in Kampala, Wakiso
The largest number of arrests was recorded in Kampala’s central business district, where 136 suspects: 134 males and two females were picked up from identified black spots.In total, 255 suspects were arrested during the operation.
Owoyesigyire said the operations were intelligence-led and aimed at combating crime and enhancing public safety in areas identified as gathering points for suspected criminal elements.
KAMPALA - Over 250 people have been arrested in a sweeping joint security operation targeting alleged criminal hotspots across Kampala and Wakiso District.
The co-ordinated crackdown, conducted on February 16, 2026, covered several areas in Nansana, Kira Municipality, Kyanja and selected black spots within the central business district (CBD), according to Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire.
Owoyesigyire said the operations were intelligence-led and aimed at combating crime and enhancing public safety in areas identified as gathering points for suspected criminal elements.
“The joint task force conducted a series of coordinated operations in various parts of Wakiso District and Kampala with the aim of combating crime and enhancing public safety,” Owoyesigyire said.
He added that: “These areas had been identified as gathering points for individuals suspected of engaging in criminal activities that have been affecting residents and members of the public.”
In Nansana and surrounding areas, including Nansana West Ward, Kyebando and Gganda in Wakiso sub-county and Nansana municipality, a total of 65 suspects were arrested.
In Kira Municipality, where the operations covered Kitukutwe Zone, Kiwologoma and Namugongo Nsawo Zone, 38 suspects were apprehended.
Another 16 suspects were arrested in Kyanja under the Kira Road Policing Area.
The largest number of arrests was recorded in Kampala’s central business district, where 136 suspects: 134 males and two females were picked up from identified black spots.
In total, 255 suspects were arrested during the operation.
Owoyesigyire said all the suspects were screened and charged with offences related to possession of suspected narcotic substances and other related crimes.
“They are currently detained at the respective police stations pending processing and court appearance,” he said.
Police also recovered exhibits of suspected narcotic substances during the operations, which Owoyesigyire said form part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and eliminate gathering points linked to crime.
“The operations were successful and are part of ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal elements, dismantle criminal gathering points, and ensure the continued safety and security of the public,” he said.