Police raids suspected criminal gangs
CAPTION: Some of the suspected criminals arrested in Kampala. (Courtsey Photo)
By Our reporter
KAMPALA – Police has conducted a number of operations in several districts against suspected criminal gangs ahead of the festive season of Christmas and New Year. According to Uganda Police Force press statement December 2nd, 2024, the gangs gather and smoke narcotics before striking their victims who are usually pedestrians and at times, they attack homes and businesses.
“On the 29/11/2024 between 2100hrs and 0200hrs, police and its sister agencies stormed the areas of Kireku railway zone, Bweyogerere central zone, Kakajo zone, Kirinya parish Bweyogerere Division, and Mbalwa area Namugongo division Kira Municipality, Wakiso district and netted 38 suspects whom they found in possession of marijuana and breaking implements,” reads the statement.
Adding, “On the 28/11/2024 between the hours of 2300hrs and 040hrs police and its sister security agencies assisted by the wanainchi and local council officials conducted an operation in the areas of Kauga and Nantabulirwa in Goma Division in Mukono District.”
During the operation, a total of 25 suspects were apprehended. Similarly, with this group of suspects, marijuana was recovered from different black spots.
A similar operation was carried out on the same day (November 28, 2024) in the areas of Kasolo and Bugabwe trading centres in Iganga town.
Twenty- three (23) suspects were arrested during the operation. Some were found in possession of marijuana rolls and house breaking implements.
Police further carried out an operation in Bugiri municipality, Nkusi ward, Katawo cell Oboma street and central ward, Busowa town council in Bugiri district assisted by local leaders of the 28 November 2024 apprehending 30 suspects.
In addition to marijuana, police also seized jet fuel. Jet fuel is commonly inhaled by criminals as it is believed to have psychoactive and mind- altering effects.
On the 29 November, 2024 at police carried out an operation in areas of Katumba Zone and Kyanja central zone, Kyanja parish, Nakawa Division, Kampala city. There were specific bars and brothels that we targeted selling marijuana. The community had raised concerns to police prompting its response.
Police apprehended 40 individuals and seized quantities of marijuana.
On November 30,2024 police in Namayingo district conducted an operation in areas of Kifuyo trading centre, Buyinja sub-county. Five suspects (05) were netted with marijuana
Yesterday December 01, 2024 at around 1100hrs, a joint operation by police and sister security agencies was conducted in areas of Katooke and Wamala cells, Wamala Ward, Nabweru Division, Nansana Municipality. This operation was a follow up on the complaints from residents of the area about the panga welding men who maim and rob people, snatch phones and bags with the aid of motorcycles.
The operation netted eight (8) suspects arrested, three (03) motorcycles and three (03) mobile phones were recovered.
1. The suspects arrested include;
a. Waiswa Ramazan (29) a boda-boda rider
b. Kyambadde Hakimu (19) a boda-boda rider
c. Mugulusi Rashid (25) a boda-boda rider
d. Mayima Timothy (22) a porter
e. Omara Solomon (24)
f. Kasozi Brian (24) a painter
g. Kizito Lawrence (22) a plumber and;
h. Wassonko Edward (20) a motorcycle mechanic
Police found the suspects with previous criminal accusations in a record in Lugoba and Nabweru police station.
