Over 1,000 Arrested As Police Steps Up Fight Against Crime

The Uganda Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, has revealed that the force arrested over 1,000 suspects linked to different crimes as police steps up efforts to curb the rising crime across the country.
While addressing media on Monday, Kituuma noted that between Monday 16 and Sunday 22 Feb 2026, security agencies conducted intensive, intelligence‑led operations across Kampala Metropolitan and upcountry regions, resulting in the arrest of 1,095 suspects linked to burglary, aggravated robbery, narcotics, street mugging and other crimes.
According to Kituuma, the operations targeted blackspots, criminal hideouts and narcotics hubs, and led to the recovery of dangerous weapons and other exhibits, while also rescuing victims and responding to emergency calls from the public.
“Operations were conducted daily in Kampala Metropolitan East, South and North, as well as Aswa West, West Nile, Albertine North, Elgon, Savannah, East Kyoga, Wamala and other regions. A total of 1,095 suspects were arrested over the seven days, many of them habitual offenders and gang members involved in robberies, burglaries, phone snatching, narcotics and related crimes” he said.
The Police PRO noted that several suspects were screened, with many taken to court while others received cautions after profiling and verification of criminal records.
“Exhibits recovered included pangas and other dangerous weapons, breaking implements, narcotics, stolen motor‑vehicle parts, multiple SIM cards, and livestock (including a motor vehicle and three bulls from one operation in Luwero region)” he said.
Kituuma further revealed that most of the operations were informed by community intelligence, complaints from residents, and support from boda-boda riders and local leaders, with the primary objective of disrupting criminal gangs, prevent night crime and support lawful business by ensuring neighborhoods are free from rogue elements.